reset
Return something to default state
To make a device, system, or setting go back to the way it was at the start or to the normal basic state.
to reset [device/system/setting] (to [state])
- If the app keeps freezing, try resetting your phone to its factory settings.
- You can reset the router by holding down this button for ten seconds.
- I accidentally changed the display, so I reset the settings to the default mode.
- The technician reset the alarm system after fixing the fault.
- Remember to reset the kitchen timer before you start baking the next batch.
- My computer is slow, so I will reset it.
- You can reset the password if you forget it.
- Press this button to reset the game.
- I reset the clock after the power went out.
- He reset the phone to fix the problem.
Act of returning to default
The action of making a device, system, or setting go back to the way it was at the start or to the normal basic state.
a reset of [device/system/setting]
- The update failed and the phone did a full reset.
- If the lights stay red, try a system reset and wait two minutes.
- A factory reset will remove all your personal data from the device.
- The technician suggested a reset of the network before checking the cables.
- After the crash, a quick reset was enough to get the software running again.
- The computer did a reset after the crash.
- You may need a factory reset to fix this phone.
- The engineer did a reset of the system.
- A reset can solve many small problems.
- We did a reset and then the printer worked.
Major new start or reorganization
A big new start or change in how a system, plan, or relationship works, so it can begin again in a better way.
a reset of [system/relationship/policy]
- The company used the crisis as a chance for a complete strategic reset.
- Many leaders are calling for a reset of international trade rules.
- After months of fighting, they agreed that their marriage needed a reset.
- The coach promised a reset of team culture before the new season.
- The new government talked about a reset in relations with its neighbors.
- The manager said the team needed a reset.
- After the argument, they had a reset in their relationship.
- The company planned a reset of its business model.
- The new boss wants a reset in office culture.
- Some people hope for a reset of the whole system.
Put a broken bone in place
To move a broken bone back to the right place so it can heal in the correct way.
to reset [a bone / a fracture]
- The doctor had to reset the broken bone before putting on the cast.
- If the fracture is not reset correctly, the leg may heal at an angle.
- They reset his wrist under local anesthesia.
- A specialist was called in to reset the badly shattered ankle.
- The surgeon explained that they would reset the fracture and then secure it with a metal plate.
- The doctor reset his broken arm.
- They reset the bone and then put on a cast.
- If the bone is not reset, it will heal in the wrong way.
- A surgeon must reset a serious fracture.
- The nurse helped the doctor reset the leg.
Start story/game again in new context
To begin a story, game, or activity again, often in a different time, place, or starting point.
to reset [story/game/activity] (in [place/time])
- The new season resets the show in New York instead of Los Angeles.
- After the bug, we had to reset the game and start from level one again.
- They reset the board and prepared for another round of chess.
- The director decided to reset the story in the 1980s.
- This version of the franchise resets the timeline and introduces new characters.
- We reset the game and played again.
- The film resets the story in a different city.
- After the mistake, they reset the board.
- The TV show resets the story in the next season.
- He reset the game to try a new plan.
- Base: reset
- 3rd Person Singular: re-sets, resets
- Present Participle: re-setting, resetting
- Past: re-set, reset
- Past Participle: re-set, reset
- Irregular present participle: re-setting, resetting Verb
- Irregular past: re-set, reset Verb
- Irregular past participle: re-set, reset Verb
factory reset
2Completely erase and restore a device
To remove all data and changes from a device and make it the way it was when it was new from the factory.
- Before you sell your phone, you should do a factory reset.
- A factory reset fixed the software problems but deleted all my photos.
- The technician recommended a factory reset as a last resort.
hard reset
4Full device reset or forced restart
A strong type of reset that forces a device to restart or go back to factory settings, often clearing apps and data.
- A hard reset might fix the issue, but you could lose your files.
- If the phone is completely frozen, try a hard reset.
- The instructions warn that a hard reset will erase all personal information.
hit the reset button
6Start over completely in a new way
To stop something and begin it again in a new or very different way, often to fix problems.
- After the failed project, management decided to hit the reset button and redesign everything.
- Sometimes you just need to hit the reset button on your daily routine.
- They hit the reset button on their friendship and agreed to forget the past.
reset the clock
7Set a clock’s time again
To change a clock so that it shows the correct time again, usually after a problem or change.
- When the power comes back on, remember to reset the clock on the oven.
- After daylight saving time begins, you need to reset the clock by one hour.
- We reset the clock in the car after changing the battery.
reset the password
1Change a password to a new one
To make a new password for an account or device, usually because you forgot the old one or want better security.
- If you forget your login, you can reset the password by email.
- The company requires employees to reset the password every three months.
- I got a message saying someone tried to reset the password on my account.
reset to factory settings
3Return all device settings to default
To change all parts of a device back to the way they were when it was new, usually deleting personal data and apps.
- If the problem continues, reset the phone to factory settings.
- She reset the laptop to factory settings before giving it away.
- The manual explains how to reset the router to factory settings.
soft reset
5Gentle restart without data loss
A light reset that restarts a device but does not remove your data or all settings.
- Try a soft reset first so you don’t lose any data.
- A soft reset is usually enough to solve minor software problems.
- The manual describes how to do a soft reset on the tablet.