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reform definition

re·form (ri fôrm′)

transitive verb

  1. to make better by removing faults and defects; correct to reform a calendar
    1. to make better by putting a stop to abuses or malpractices or by introducing better procedures, etc.
    2. to put a stop to (abuses, etc.)
  3. to cause or persuade (a person) to give up misconduct and behave better
  4. Chem. to heat (petroleum products) under pressure, with or without catalysts, to produce cracking and a greater yield of gasoline or an improved octane number

Etymology: ME reformen < OFr reformer < L reformare: see re- & form

intransitive verb

to become better in behavior

noun

  1. a correction of faults or evils, as in government or society; social or political improvement
  2. an improvement in character and conduct; reformation
  3. a movement aimed at removing political or social abuses

adjective

☆ designating or of a movement in Judaism that attempts to make rational thought compatible with historical Judaism, stressing its ethical aspects and not requiring strict observance of traditional Orthodox ritual

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

reform Synonyms

reform

n.

reformation, betterment, amelioration, new law; see change 2, improvement 1, 2.


reform

v.

  1. To change into a new or better form

    reorganize, reconstruct, rearrange, transform, ameliorate, redeem, rectify, better, rehabilitate, improve, correct, cure, remedy, convert, mend, emend, amend, restore, remodel, revise, repair, rebuild, reclaim, revolutionize, regenerate, refashion, renovate, renew, rework, reconstitute, make over, remake; see also change 1.

    Antonyms degrade, corrupt*, botch. *

  2. To correct evils

    amend, clean out, give a new basis, abolish, repeal, uplift, ameliorate, rectify, regenerate, redeem, rehabilitate, give new life to, remedy, stamp out, make better, standardize, bring up to code, set straight; see also sense 1; improve 1.

  3. To change one's conduct for the better

    resolve, mend, mend one's ways, regenerate, make amends, have a new conscience, make a new start, make resolutions, turn over a new leaf, see the error of one's ways, change one's ways, straighten out, go straight*, clean up one's act*, shape up*, get religion*, put on the new man*, swear off*; see also sense 2.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

reform Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • propose: In November 2001, the proposed reforms for a new House of Lords were released.

Adjective modifier

  • radical: The radical reforms outlined in the 1947 Education Act came into being on 1 April 1948.

Noun used with modifier

  • pension: We look forward to the further progress of the pension reforms.
  • welfare: Of welfare reform are affected by not strong evidence a change the.
reform usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

reform quotes

To innovate is not to reform.

-Burke, Edmund

To reform a world, to reform a nation no wise man will undertake; and all but foolish men know, that the only solid, though a far slower reformation, is what each begins and perfects on himself.

-Carlyle,Thomas

All reform except a moral one will prove unavailing.

-Carlyle,Thomas

reform quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"reform." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 3 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/reform>

APA Style

reform. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 3rd, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/reform

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