'reanimatable' originates from Latin elements and English formation, specifically the prefix 're-' (from Latin 're-') and the verb 'animate' (from Latin 'animare'), where 're-' meant 'again' and 'anima/animare' meant 'breath, life; to give life'. The adjective is formed in English by adding the productive suffix '-able' to 'reanimate'.

'reanimatable' changed from the verb 'reanimate' (English, from Late Latin 'reanimare' formed from 're-' + 'animare'), and the modern adjective was created by adding the suffix '-able' to form 'reanimatable'.

Initially related to the action 'to breathe life into again' (literal restoration of life); over time the sense broadened to 'capable of being restored to life, consciousness, or function' in both literal and figurative contexts.