'reanimation' originates from Latin, specifically from the components 're-' and 'animatio' (from 'animare'), where 're-' meant 'again' and 'animare' meant 'to give life' or 'animate'.

'reanimation' developed via Late Latin/Medieval Latin formations and was adopted into English (and French as 'réanimation'); the modern English word formed by combining the prefix 're-' with the noun/verb root related to 'animare' ('animate').

Initially it meant 'the act of giving life again' (restoring physical life); over time it broadened to include figurative senses such as restoring vitality, interest, or function.