Meanings
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1
verb
to conquer and regain territory or control that was previously lost
The army attempted to reconquer the fortress before winter.
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2
verb
figurative: to win back a person, feeling, position, or other lost possession
She tried patiently to reconquer her friend's trust.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From re- ('again, back') + conquer, reinforced by Middle French reconquerir. Conquer came through Old French conquerre from Latin conquirere, 'to seek out, procure, or win.' The literal military sense readily extended to winning back affection, confidence, status, or other losses.