reform

verb (1)
re·​form | \ ri-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce reform (audio) \
reformed; reforming; reforms

Definition of reform

 (Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : to put or change into an improved form or condition
b : to amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults or abuses
2 : to put an end to (an evil) by enforcing or introducing a better method or course of action
3 : to induce or cause to abandon evil ways reform a drunkard
4a : to subject (hydrocarbons) to cracking
b : to produce (gasoline, gas, etc.) by cracking

intransitive verb

: to become changed for the better

reform

noun

Definition of reform (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : amendment of what is defective, vicious, corrupt, or depraved
2 : removal or correction of errors or of an abuse or a wrong
3 capitalized : reform judaism

reform

adjective

Definition of reform (Entry 3 of 4)

: relating to or favoring reform

re-form

verb (2)
\ (ˌ)rē-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce re-form (audio) \
re-formed; re-forming; re-forms

Definition of re-form (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

: to form again

intransitive verb

: to take form again the ice re-formed on the lake

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Other Words from reform

Verb (1)

reformability \ ri-​ˌfȯr-​mə-​ˈbi-​lə-​tē How to pronounce reformability (audio) \ noun
reformable \ ri-​ˈfȯr-​mə-​bəl How to pronounce reformable (audio) \ adjective

Verb (2)

re-formation \ (ˌ)rē-​fȯr-​ˈmā-​shən How to pronounce re-formation (audio) \ noun

Synonyms for reform

Synonyms: Verb (1)

habilitate, reclaim, redeem, regenerate, rehabilitate

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Choose the Right Synonym for reform

Verb (1)

correct, rectify, emend, remedy, redress, amend, reform, revise mean to make right what is wrong. correct implies taking action to remove errors, faults, deviations, defects. correct your spelling rectify implies a more essential changing to make something right, just, or properly controlled or directed. rectify a misguided policy emend specifically implies correction of a text or manuscript. emend a text remedy implies removing or making harmless a cause of trouble, harm, or evil. set out to remedy the evils of the world redress implies making compensation or reparation for an unfairness, injustice, or imbalance. redress past social injustices amend, reform, revise imply an improving by making corrective changes, amend usually suggesting slight changes amend a law , reform implying drastic change plans to reform the court system , and revise suggesting a careful examination of something and the making of necessary changes. revise the schedule

Examples of reform in a Sentence

Verb (1)

The program is designed to reform prisoners. They want to reform campaign spending. The laws need to be reformed. The program is designed to help former gang members who are trying to reform.

Noun

A group of senators are calling for reform of the nation's health-care system. He has proposed a list of political reforms.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Board members started seriously talking about a truly independent investigation after Scott and Tebay, who ran for election based on reforming the university's culture, were elected in January. David Jesse, Detroit Free Press, "Nassar survivors: MSU president must act after 'complete betrayal' from board members," 9 Sep. 2019 Other social media companies could follow suit: by reforming their incentive structures such that open-minded, positive posts rise more quickly or by facilitating longer, richer communication between users. Jamil Zaki, Scientific American, "The Technology of Kindness," 6 Aug. 2019 Not about reforming old systems but building new systems. Allan Smith, NBC News, "And they're off!," 31 July 2019 There’s also little doubt that the basketball corruption scandal is personal for Emmert, who has staked his legacy on reforming the sport that generates 75 percent of the NCAA’s revenue. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, "As the NCAA readies its case, Arizona should brace for the worst (just ask USC)," 13 June 2019 In ordinary circumstances, under New Jersey’s reformed bail laws, Formisano would have made his first court appearance 24 to 48 hours after being taken to jail. Kayla Epstein, Washington Post, "A cop says he ‘blacked out’ and fired his gun. Prosecutors say he killed his estranged wife.," 22 Aug. 2019 With no further mediation sessions scheduled, and old battles line seemingly reforming, the sides appear headed back to federal court — and perhaps to a trial next year. Andrew Das, New York Times, "Mediation Talks Between U.S. Women’s Team and U.S. Soccer Break Down," 14 Aug. 2019 Key issues for the coalition include workers and union rights for low-income factory workers, progressive stances on immigration, and reforming gun control, according to Mitch Henry, the former political director for LULAC and brother to Joe Henry. NBC News, "Iowa's Asian and Latino Coalition endorses Kamala Harris for the 2020 caucus," 13 Aug. 2019 Now Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan’s reforming president, is shutting it down. The Economist, "Uzbekistan’s new president closes Jaslyk prison camp," 8 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The government promised last week to withdraw the bill, but that failed to placate the protesters, whose demands now include democratic reforms and police accountability. BostonGlobe.com, "HONG KONG — Thousands of Hong Kong soccer fans booed loudly and turned their backs when the Chinese national anthem was played before a World Cup qualifier match against Iran on Tuesday, taking the city’s months of protests into the sports realm.," 11 Sep. 2019 The trio has also been named advocates for the Inspire Change initiative meant to support various causes, including criminal justice reform and improving police relations and educational progress. Jonathan Landrum Jr., chicagotribune.com, "Meek Mill and Meghan Trainor will perform at a free concert in Grant Park before the Bears season opener," 30 Aug. 2019 In the years since the accord was signed, FARC officials and observers have criticized the Colombian government for not making good on ambitious promises of rural reform and economic development. Author: Dylan Baddour, Anthony Faiola, Anchorage Daily News, "As Colombia peace accord unravels, ex-FARC leaders say they’ll return to armed conflict," 29 Aug. 2019 The star eventually met with President Donald Trump earlier in Washington, D.C. to discuss prison reform and sentencing. Kaitlyn Frey, PEOPLE.com, "Kim Kardashian Helped Free Alice Johnson, 64, from Prison - Then Hired Her to Model SKIMS Shapewear," 29 Aug. 2019 Thanks to major political reforms and relaxed visa rules, Ethiopia last year overtook Dubai as a transfer hub for long-haul travel to sub-Saharan Africa too. Abdi Latif Dahir, Quartz Africa, "International carriers still dominate Africa’s most profitable air routes," 27 Aug. 2019