derust

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To regain one's skills at a game after not having played for a while; to reverse the process of rusting.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

I don't understand explanations like these. He wanted to 'derust' by having something help play the game for him? That's not derusting, that's straight up sticking your dick into a bucket full of iron filings left out in the rain for three weeks.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “derust” mean?

To regain one's skills at a game after not having played for a while; to reverse the process of rusting.

Is “derust” formal or informal?

derust is generally slang.