reform

[ ri-fawrm ]

noun

1. the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, unsatisfactory, etc.:

   social reform; spelling reform.

   Synonyms: amelioration, betterment, reformation, correction

   Antonyms: deterioration

2. an instance of this.
3. the amendment of conduct, belief, etc.

verb (used with object)

1. to change to a better state, form, etc.; improve by alteration, substitution, abolition, etc.

   Synonyms: restore, repair, ameliorate, emend, amend, correct, rectify, better

2. to cause (a person) to abandon wrong or evil ways of life or conduct.
3. to put an end to (abuses, disorders, etc.).
4. Chemistry. to subject to the process of reforming, as in refining petroleum.

verb (used without object)

1. to abandon evil conduct or error:

   The drunkard promised to reform.

adjective

1. (initial capital letter) of, relating to, or characteristic of Reform Jews or Reform Judaism:

   a Reform rabbi.

reform

/ rɪˈfɔːm /

verb

1. tr to improve (an existing institution, law, practice, etc) by alteration or correction of abuses
2. to give up or cause to give up a reprehensible habit or immoral way of life
3. chem to change the molecular structure of (a hydrocarbon) to make it suitable for use as petrol by heat, pressure, and the action of catalysts

noun

1. an improvement or change for the better, esp as a result of correction of legal or political abuses or malpractices
2. a principle, campaign, or measure aimed at achieving such change
3. improvement of morals or behaviour, esp by giving up some vice

Derived Forms

• reˈformable, adjective
• reˈformative, adjective
• reˈformer, noun

Other Words From

• re·forma·ble adjective
• re·forma·bili·ty re·forma·ble·ness noun
• re·forma·tive adjective
• re·forma·tive·ly adverb
• re·forma·tive·ness noun
• re·forming·ly adverb
• anti·re·form adjective
• misre·form verb
• prere·form adjective
• prore·form adjective
• self-re·form noun
• super·re·form noun verb (used with object)
• unre·forma·ble adjective
• unre·forma·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reform¹

First recorded in 1300–50; (for the verb) Middle English reformen, from Middle French reformer, Old French, from Latin refōrmāre; equivalent to re- + form; noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of reform¹

C14: via Old French from Latin reformāre to form again

Example Sentences

Others pointed out that the decision had a legal basis, as celebrities were not technically seen as workers under the law, but called for greater reforms in the industry.

From BBC

The similar details between Mr Durham's death and that of Sonya Massey, the Illinois woman who was shot and killed by police in her home after calling for help, have renewed calls for police reform.

From BBC

Her announcement, however, underscores her commitment to advancing comprehensive food policy reform during her final term in office and could spur some progress on the essential legislation.

From Salon

Not everyone supports Labour's Right to Buy reforms.

From BBC

Constance defended the government's record, highlighting revamped community payback orders, electronic monitoring, home detention curfews and bail and release reforms.

From BBC

Related Words

• amend
• improve
• rebuild
• rehabilitate
• remake
• renovate
• reorganize
• repair
• resolve
• restore
• revise
• revolutionize
• standardize
• transform