rewild: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal; specialized (primarily in environmental science, conservation, and nature writing).
Quick answer
What does “rewild” mean?
To restore (land) to its natural, uncultivated state, especially by reintroducing native species and allowing natural ecological processes to occur.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To restore (land) to its natural, uncultivated state, especially by reintroducing native species and allowing natural ecological processes to occur.
To return a person, mindset, or any system to a more natural, original, or untamed state; to allow for uncontrolled or self-directed development. Also used as a concept in conservation biology, urban planning, and personal development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in North American conservation discourse but is now used almost identically in both varieties. The UK has notable rewilding projects (e.g., Knepp Estate), giving the word significant cultural traction.
Connotations
Positive connotations of ecological responsibility and healing, but can have negative connotations for stakeholders in traditional land management (e.g., farmers concerned about losing productive land or predation).
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical and semi-popular environmental contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “rewild” in a Sentence
NP rewild NP (e.g., They rewilded the estate.)NP be rewilded (e.g., The valley was rewilded.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rewild” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The National Trust plans to rewild large sections of the uplands.
- Farmers are being incentivised to rewild field margins.
American English
- The organization aims to rewild one million acres by 2030.
- They successfully rewilded the area with bison and wolves.
adjective
British English
- The rewilding movement is gaining political traction.
- They visited a rewilded farm in Scotland.
American English
- Rewilding initiatives face opposition from some ranchers.
- The concept of rewilding cities is being explored.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in sustainability reports, green investment, and eco-tourism. (e.g., 'The project aims to rewild the mining site as part of its ESG commitments.')
Academic
Core term in ecology, conservation biology, and environmental studies. (e.g., 'The paper models the trophic cascades following rewilding interventions.')
Everyday
Used by environmentally conscious individuals, in nature documentaries, and related news articles. (e.g., 'They decided to rewild part of their garden to help pollinators.')
Technical
Specific in conservation practice, involving species reintroduction, habitat connectivity, and passive management. (e.g., 'The rewilding protocol includes the reintroduction of apex predators.')
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rewild”
- Using 'rewild' to mean simply 'to abandon' without the intentional restorative goal. Confusing 'rewild' with 'reforest' (which is specifically about trees). Incorrectly using it as a noun ('a rewild' instead of 'a rewilding project').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Rewilding is an active process that often involves initial interventions like removing invasive species, reintroducing native species (especially keystone species like beavers or large herbivores), and modifying human infrastructure (e.g., dam removal). Afterward, the goal is for the ecosystem to self-regulate.
Figuratively, yes. The term is sometimes used in wellness and psychology to suggest reconnecting with nature or one's instincts (e.g., 'rewild your diet', 'rewild your childhood'). This is a metaphorical extension of the core environmental meaning.
'Conserve' generally means to protect existing natural states from degradation. 'Rewild' is more specific and proactive; it means to actively return a degraded, modified, or developed area back to a wilder, more natural state, often with a focus on restoring ecological processes that have been lost.
To restore (land) to its natural, uncultivated state, especially by reintroducing native species and allowing natural ecological processes to occur.
Rewild is usually formal; specialized (primarily in environmental science, conservation, and nature writing). in register.
Rewild: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈwaɪld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈwaɪld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Let's rewild it.”
- “A rewilded landscape.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-WILD: Think REstore to WILDerness. You take land back (RE-) to its WILD state.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURE IS A PATIENT THAT CAN BE HEALED; CIVILIZATION IS A FORCE OF CONSTRAINT/DOMESTICATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary goal of rewilding?