What is the act of restoring something to its original state called?

The act of restoring something to its original state is best captured by the word "restitution." This term specifically refers to the process of returning something to its rightful owner or restoring it to its original condition. In legal contexts, restitution often involves compensating someone for loss or damage, thus emphasizing the idea of putting things back to how they were before a loss occurred.

In contrast, while "reparation" can imply making amends for a wrong, it is often broader in scope and relates to compensation rather than the simple act of restoring something. "Reinstatement" typically refers to reinstating a person to a position or status, rather than restoring a physical object or its state. "Destruction," on the other hand, is the complete opposite of restoration, as it refers to the act of causing something to cease to exist. Thus, "restitution" is the most accurate choice when considering the specific concept of returning something to its original state.