bring (one) to (oneself)

To cause one to resume acting or feeling as one normally does. I was starting to get disoriented after being awake for 36 hours straight, but a good night's rest brought me to myself. In the cartoons, a bump on the head is usually all it takes to bring one to oneself. Mary's a very nervous flier, so just the act of getting off this plane should bring her to herself.

bring (someone or something) to

1. To cause someone to regain consciousness. After Lily fainted, we used smelling salts to bring her to. The patient was knocked out in a fight. What can we do to bring him to? I have no idea what happened. All I remember is being at dinner and then being brought to by a doctor in the emergency room.

2. To stop a vessel from moving. We're getting close to the dock, so bring the boat to. All right, men, drop the anchor and bring the ship to! I don't want to bring our ship to now that we've finally got a favorable wind.

3. To cause a total to reach a certain amount. Adding a drink brings your total to $8.49. I'm thrilled because my last payment brought the amount I still owe on that loan to less than $1,000! I know you like to get wine when we eat out, but it always seems to bring our bill to at least $100.

bring one to oneself

to cause one to become rational; to cause one to act normal. A glass of ice water thrown in her face brought Sally to herself. I was brought to myself by some smelling salts.