reclaim

[ ri-kleym ]

verb (used with object)

1. to bring (uncultivated areas or wasteland) into a condition for cultivation or other use.
2. to recover (substances) in a pure or usable form from refuse, discarded articles, etc.

   Synonyms: restore, regain

3. to bring back to a preferable manner of living, sound principles, ideas, etc.
4. to tame.
5. re-claim.

verb (used without object)

1. to protest; object.

noun

1. reclamation:

   beyond reclaim.

reclaim

/ rɪˈkleɪm /

verb

1. to claim back

   to reclaim baggage

2. to convert (desert, marsh, waste ground, etc) into land suitable for growing crops
3. to recover (useful substances) from waste products
4. to convert (someone) from sin, folly, vice, etc
5. falconry to render (a hawk or falcon) tame

noun

1. the act of reclaiming or state of being reclaimed

Derived Forms

• reˈclaimant, noun
• reˈclaimable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·claima·ble adjective
• re·claimer noun
• nonre·claima·ble adjective
• unre·claima·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reclaim¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; (verb) Middle English recla(i)men, from Old French reclamer (tonic stem reclaim- ), from Latin reclāmāre “to cry out against,” equivalent to re- + clāmāre “to claim”; (noun) Middle English reclaim(e), from Old French reclaim, reclam, derivative of reclamer ; re-, claim

Word History and Origins

Origin of reclaim¹

C13: from Old French réclamer , from Latin reclāmāre to cry out, protest, from re- + clāmāre to shout

Synonym Study

See recover.

Example Sentences

It suggests we’re entering an era of climate nationalism, where the right could be poised to reclaim climate change as an issue of its own.

From Salon

Fiona Ryalls, 33, from Bristol tracked down her stolen bike for sale on social media while Josh Steven, 29, used a tracking device and was threatened when he tried to reclaim his.

From BBC

And despite reclaiming the advantage through Itoje, England were unable to close out the game from the resulting restart.

From BBC

Actually, Hernández sees it as his advantage and is reclaiming his height as desirable.

From Salon

Their Links tote features reclaimed leather “links,” cut out, woven together and dyed in a kaleidoscope of colors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• recover
• refurbish
• repair
• salvage
• save