Reinstatement refers to the act or process of restoring something, such as a position, status, rights, or privileges that were previously lost, canceled, suspended or withdrawn. It involves putting back into place or returning someone or something to an original condition, situation or position after it has been removed or disrupted. Reinstatement is often used in the context of employment law when referring to re-hiring a worker who was previously fired or laid off. In other contexts, it may refer to restoring membership or rights in a group or organization, or revoking and then reissuing a license, permit or authorization that had been withdrawn.