Réparation

Réparation is the act of restoring a damaged or worn object to its functional condition, or alleviating a fault so that it can operate as intended. The term comes from the Latin reparare and the Old French reparer. In legal contexts, réparation can also denote the act of making amends for a harm, such as indemnifying a victim or remedying a fault.

Repairs cover a wide range of domains, including mechanical, electrical, electronic, textile, and structural works. The typical process involves diagnosing the fault, sourcing appropriate parts or replacements, performing the repair work (such as replacing components, cleaning, realigning, or recalibrating), and testing to ensure the item functions correctly. Repairs may be complemented by refurbishment or retrofitting to extend usefulness or update performance.

Repairability and policy have gained attention as part of sustainability and the circular economy. Factors influencing repairability include design for disassembly, availability of spare parts, service information, and accessibility of skilled labor. Public policy in several regions promotes repair through consumer rights, warranties, and information tools. For example, some jurisdictions publish an index of repairability to guide buyers, and ecodesign rules encourage products to be easier to repair or upgrade.

The concept intersects with both economy and environment. Repairs reduce waste, conserve resources, and support local repair services while potentially delaying replacement purchases and influencing product lifecycles. Cultural trends such as the DIY movement and community repair initiatives illustrate social dimensions of repair practices.

See also: repairability, droit de réparer, droit civil, réparation du préjudice.