取り戻す
とりもどす · torimodosu · JLPT N1 · verb-godan
to take back
🔁 取 (take) + り + 戻す (return, bring back): take it back to where it was
取り戻す = 取る (take) + 戻す (put back / return). Combined, 'take back' and 'return to former state' merge into 'to regain'.
取 — ear 耳 + hand 又
取 originally depicted a hand (又) grasping an ear (耳), referencing the ancient practice of soldiers cutting off enemies' left ears as proof of kills to claim rewards. The meaning broadened from 'seize/take by force' to the general sense of 'take, get, obtain' used today.