Reinterring: meaning, definitions and examples
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reinterring
[ ˌriːɪnˈtɜːr ]
legal term
To reinter is to remove and then reinstall a burial or cremation, typically in a different location or under different circumstances. This process may occur due to various reasons, such as construction, relocation, or family wishes.
Synonyms
reburial, reinterment, relocation.
Examples of usage
- The family decided to reinter their ancestors in a new cemetery.
- After the renovation of the old graveyard, they had to reinter the remains.
- Due to legal issues, the remains were reinterred in a different state.
- The church agreed to reinter the historic figures in a more prominent location.
Etymology
The term 'reinter' is derived from the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', and the Latin root 'inter', which means 'to bury'. The word 'inter' has been used since the late Middle Ages, originally indicating the act of placing a body into the ground. Over time, as societies evolved and the practices surrounding death and burial changed, the need to carefully relocate bodies became more common due to urban development and personal desires. Thus, 'reinter' emerged in the English language as a specific term for this action, reflecting the complexities of human relationships with the dead and the importance of honoring their memory.