First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1reform
verb re·form \ri-ˈfȯrm\
: to improve (someone or something) by removing or correcting faults, problems, etc.
: to improve your own behavior or habits
Full Definition of REFORM
transitive verb
1
a : 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>
4
a : to subject (hydrocarbons) to cracking b : to produce (as gasoline or gas) by cracking
intransitive verb
: to become changed for the better
— re·form·abil·i·ty \-ˌfȯr-mə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— re·form·able \-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective
See reform defined for English-language learners
See reform defined for kids
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Origin of REFORM
Middle English, from Anglo-French refurmer, from Latin reformare, from re- + formare to form, from forma form
Related to REFORM
- Synonyms
- habilitate, reclaim, redeem, regenerate, rehabilitate
Synonym Discussion of REFORM
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>.
correct, accurate, exact, precise, nice, right mean conforming to fact, standard, or truth. correct usually implies freedom from fault or error <correct answers> <socially correct dress>. accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care <an accurate description>. exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth <exact measurements>. precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation <precise calibration>. nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination <makes nice distinctions>. right is close to correct but has a stronger positive emphasis on conformity to fact or truth rather than mere absence of error or fault <the right thing to do>.
correct, accurate, exact, precise, nice, right mean conforming to fact, standard, or truth. correct usually implies freedom from fault or error <correct answers> <socially correct dress>. accurate implies fidelity to fact or truth attained by exercise of care <an accurate description>. exact stresses a very strict agreement with fact, standard, or truth <exact measurements>. precise adds to exact an emphasis on sharpness of definition or delimitation <precise calibration>. nice stresses great precision and delicacy of adjustment or discrimination <makes nice distinctions>. right is close to correct but has a stronger positive emphasis on conformity to fact or truth rather than mere absence of error or fault <the right thing to do>.
Rhymes with REFORM
art form, aswarm, barnstorm, brainstorm, by-form, by storm, conform, deform, Delorme, dust storm, firestorm, free-form, hailstorm, ice storm, inform, L-form, landform, life-form, line storm, lukewarm, perform, planform, platform, preform, rainstorm, re-form, sandstorm, slip form, snowstorm, transform, triform, waveform, windstorm
2reform
noun
: the improvement of something by removing or correcting faults, problems, etc.
: an action, plan, rule, etc., that is meant to improve something
Full Definition of REFORM
1
: amendment of what is defective, vicious, corrupt, or depraved
2
: a removal or correction of an abuse, a wrong, or errors
3
capitalized : reform judaism
See reform defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of REFORM
1663
3reform
adjective
Definition of REFORM
: relating to or favoring reform
First Known Use of REFORM
1819
REFORM Defined for Kids
1reform
verb re·form \ri-ˈfȯrm\
re·formedre·form·ing
Definition of REFORM for Kids
1
: to make better or improve by removal of faults <The program reforms prisoners.> <The law should be reformed.>
2
: to stop engaging in bad habits or behavior <He promised to reform.>
— re·form·er \ri-ˈfȯr-mər\ noun
2reform
noun
Definition of REFORM for Kids
: the improvement of something by removing faults or problems <political reform>
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