Reorient

Reorient is a verb that means to align or position again, or to change the orientation or frame of reference of something. The term can apply to physical direction, perceptual or cognitive orientation, or broader shifts in aims, beliefs, or plans.

In navigation and mapping, reorienting involves restoring bearings after losing one's sense of direction. This may entail recalibrating instruments, rereading a map, or updating reference coordinates to a new frame.

In health care and psychology, reorientation describes processes used to help people regain awareness of time, place, or identity after disorientation caused by illness, injury, delirium, or dementia. Techniques often rely on environmental cues, consistent routines, and information prompts to reduce confusion.

In organizational and social contexts, reorientation refers to realigning goals, strategies, or culture in response to changing circumstances. Institutions may offer reorientation programs for new employees, patients transitioning care, or refugees adapting to a new community.

The word combines the prefix re- meaning again with orientare, to set in a direction; it is related to orientation.

Contemporary usage often distinguishes between neutral reorientation and reorientation therapy, a historical term for attempts to alter sexual orientation. The latter is widely condemned as unethical and ineffective, with current best practice focusing on acceptance and support.