Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense reforms, present participle reforming, past tense, past participle reformed
1. variable noun
Reform consists of changes and improvements to a law, social system, or institution. A reform is an instance of such a change or improvement.
The party embarked on a programme of economic reform.
He has urged reform of the welfare system.
The Socialists introduced fairly radical reforms.
Synonyms: improvement, amendment, correction, rehabilitation More Synonyms of reform
2. verb
If someone reforms something such as a law, social system, or institution, they change or improve it.
...his plans to reform the country's economy. [VERB noun]
A reformed party would have to win the approval of the people. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: improve, better, correct, restore More Synonyms of reform
3. verb
When someone reforms or when something reforms them, they stop doing things that society does not approve of, such as breaking the law or drinking too much alcohol.
When his court case was coming up, James promised to reform. [VERB]
We will try to reform him within the community. [VERB noun]
reformedadjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
...a reformed character.
4. See also re-form
More Synonyms of reform
reform in British English
(rɪˈfɔːm)
verb
1. (transitive)
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. chemistry
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
4.
an improvement or change for the better, esp as a result of correction of legal or political abuses or malpractices
5.
a principle, campaign, or measure aimed at achieving such change
6.
improvement of morals or behaviour, esp by giving up some vice
Derived forms
reformable (reˈformable)
adjective
reformative (reˈformative)
adjective
reformer (reˈformer)
noun
Word origin
C14: via Old French from Latin reformāre to form again
reform in American English
(rɪˈfɔrm)
verb transitive
1.
to make better by removing faults and defects; correct
to reform a calendar
2.
a.
to make better by putting a stop to abuses or malpractices or by introducing better procedures, etc.
b.
to put a stop to (abuses, etc.)
3.
to cause or persuade (a person) to give up misconduct and behave better
4. Chemistry
to heat (petroleum products) under pressure, with or without catalysts, to produce cracking and a greater yield of gasoline or an improved octane number
verb intransitive
5.
to become better in behavior
noun
6.
a correction of faults or evils, as in government or society; social or political improvement
7.
an improvement in character and conduct; reformation
8.
a movement aimed at removing political or social abuses
adjective
9. US; [R-]
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
Derived forms
reformable (reˈformable)
adjective
reformative (reˈformative)
adjective
Word origin
ME reformen < OFr reformer < L reformare: see re- & form
Examples of 'reform' in a sentence
reform
Ministers decided to reform the appeals system last year because the courts were being overwhelmed with claims.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But liberals mustn't think that political reform is enough.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The reforms will give motorists access to public charge points without the need for multiple memberships and set common standards for pricing between suppliers.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Our reforms will change that.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He has a record of cautious reform as economy minister but doubts remain over whether he has the grit to push through far-reaching structural change.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
While the government has promised to reform the old system, more students and employers are turning to apprenticeships as a better way for both parties.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Her studies had led her to become the leader of the reform party at court.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They thought they had campaigned successfully for reform.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Without such reforms the country faces an imminent economic crisis.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
But these considerations cannot be a justification for avoiding substantive political reform.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
We have to find a way to reform the whole system.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The current legal reforms will make it impossible to get legal aid for clinical negligence cases.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
To stem the rising tide of complaints the society introduced reforms.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The system of management adopted during the economic reform did not last long.
Aganbegyan, Abel Inside Perestroika: The Future of the Soviet Economy (1990)
It will be unapologetic about reforming our economy to challenge inequality and protect workers better.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They need to deliver on this promised reform.
The Sun (2012)
He wants it to be a party of social reform and emancipation.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The health care reform law contains no special exemptions for churches.
Christianity Today (2000)
We are in a period when further constitutional reform is almost unavoidable.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This is the most important reform programme undertaken in any aspect of government life.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Will public services reform improve value for money?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But reform of courts and tackling corruption lag way behind.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There have long been calls for the honours system to be reformed.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Prisons reform bill To give governors more freedoms and allow more services to be privatised.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Yet there is no sign that the country 's reform programme is running off the rails.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But let's give these reforms a chance.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Without political reform, all these problems would intensify.
Grenville, J. A. S. The Collins History of the World in the 20th Century (1994)
We concluded that the coroner's inquest needed radical improvement and reform if it were to regain public confidence.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In other languages
reform
British English: reform NOUN
Reform consists of changes and improvements to a law, social system, or institution. A reform is an instance of such a change or improvement.
The party embarked on a programme of economic reform.
American English: reform
Brazilian Portuguese: reforma
Chinese: 改革
European Spanish: reforma
French: réforme
German: Reform
Italian: riforma
Japanese: 改革
Korean: 개혁
European Portuguese: reforma
Latin American Spanish: reforma
All related terms of 'reform'
re-form
When an organization , group, or shape re-forms , or when someone re-forms it, it is created again after a period during which it did not exist or existed in a different form.
land reform
Land reform is a change in the system of land ownership , especially when it involves giving land to the people who actually farm it and taking it away from people who own large areas for profit .
Reform Bill
any of several bills or acts extending the franchise or redistributing parliamentary seats, esp the acts of 1832 and 1867
reform agenda
You can refer to the political issues which are important at a particular time as an agenda .
reform school
a correctional or penal institution for young adults or teenagers
tariff reform
the imposition of government taxes on imports or occasionally exports for purposes of protection , support of the balance of payments, or the raising of revenue
Reform Judaism
a movement in Judaism originating in the 19th century, which does not require strict observance of the law, but adapts the historical forms of Judaism to the contemporary world
spelling reform
an attempt to change the spelling of English words to make it conform more closely to pronunciation
leasehold reform
reform of the law relating to leasehold property
reformatories
(formerly) a place of instruction where young offenders were sent for corrective training
reformatory
(formerly) a place of instruction where young offenders were sent for corrective training
Chinese translation of 'reform'
reform
(rɪˈfɔːm)
n
(u)[of law, system]改革 (gǎigé)
(c) (process, result) 改革 (gǎigé)
vt
[law, system]改革 (gǎigé)
vi
[criminal, alcoholic]改过(過) (gǎiguò)
(noun)
Definition
correction of abuses or malpractices
a programme of economic reform
Synonyms
improvement
the dramatic improvements in conditions
amendment
We are making a few amendments to the document.
correction
They have made several corrections and additions to the document.
rehabilitation
renovation
a property which needs extensive renovation
betterment
His research is for the betterment of humankind.
rectification
amelioration
a demand for amelioration of conditions
1 (verb)
Definition
to improve (a law or institution) by correcting abuses
his plans to reform the country's economy
Synonyms
improve
He improved their house.
better
Our parents came here with the hope of bettering themselves.
correct
You may need surgery to correct the problem.
restore
They partly restored a local castle.
repair
He has repaired the roof.
rebuild
The castle was rebuilt by his great grandson in 1859.
amend
The committee put forward proposals to amend the penal system.
reclaim
mend
There will be disciplinary action if you do not mend your ways.
renovate
They spent thousands renovating the house.
reconstruct
The government must reconstruct the shattered economy.
remodel
rectify
Only an act of Congress could rectify the situation.
rehabilitate
a program for rehabilitating low-income housing
regenerate
The government will continue to regenerate inner city areas.
reorganize
reconstitute
Slowly Jewish communities were reconstituted and life began anew.
revolutionize
ameliorate
Nothing can be done to ameliorate the situation.
emend
2 (verb)
Definition
to give up or cause to give up a bad habit or way of life
Under such a system where is the incentive to reform?
Synonyms
mend your ways
go straight (informal)
I thought you were going straight after that last robbery?
shape up (informal)
get it together (informal)
turn over a new leaf
She realized she was in the wrong and promised to turn over a new leaf.
get your act together (informal)
clean up your act (informal)
pull your socks up (British, informal)
get back on the straight and narrow (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of ameliorate
Definition
to make (something) better
Nothing can be done to ameliorate the situation.
Synonyms
improve,
better,
benefit,
reform,
advance,
promote,
amend,
elevate,
raise,
mend,
mitigate,
make better,
assuage,
meliorate
in the sense of amelioration
a demand for amelioration of conditions
Synonyms
improvement,
advance,
recovery,
amendment,
correction,
enhancement,
change for the better,
upswing,
betterment,
melioration
in the sense of amend
Definition
to make small changes to something such as a piece of writing or a contract, in order to improve it
The committee put forward proposals to amend the penal system.
Synonyms
change,
improve,
reform,
fix,
correct,
repair,
edit,
alter,
enhance,
update,
revise,
modify,
remedy,
rewrite,
mend,
rectify,
tweak (informal),
ameliorate,
redraw,
rebrand,
better
Synonyms of 'reform'
reform
Explore 'reform' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of amendment
Definition
an improvement or correction
We are making a few amendments to the document.
Synonyms
change,
improvement,
repair,
edit,
remedy,
correction,
revision,
modification,
alteration,
mending,
enhancement,
reform,
betterment,
rectification,
amelioration,
emendation
in the sense of better
Definition
to improve upon
Our parents came here with the hope of bettering themselves.
Synonyms
improve,
further,
raise,
forward,
reform,
advance,
promote,
correct,
enhance,
upgrade,
amend,
mend,
rectify,
augment,
ameliorate,
meliorate
in the sense of betterment
Definition
improvement
His research is for the betterment of humankind.
Synonyms
improvement,
gain,
advancement,
enhancement,
edification,
amelioration,
melioration
in the sense of correct
Definition
to make free from or put right errors
You may need surgery to correct the problem.
Synonyms
rectify,
remedy,
redress,
right,
improve,
reform,
cure,
adjust,
regulate,
amend,
set the record straight,
emend
in the sense of correction
Definition
an alteration correcting something
They have made several corrections and additions to the document.
Synonyms
rectification,
righting,
improvement,
amendment,
adjustment,
modification,
alteration,
emendation
in the sense of go straight
Definition
to reform after having been a criminal
I thought you were going straight after that last robbery?
Synonyms
reform,
turn over a new leaf,
make a new start,
get back on the straight and narrow
in the sense of mend
Definition
(esp. of behaviour) to improve
There will be disciplinary action if you do not mend your ways.
Synonyms
improve,
better,
reform,
correct,
revise,
amend,
rectify,
ameliorate,
emend
in the sense of rebuild
Definition
to build (a building or town) again, after severe damage
The castle was rebuilt by his great grandson in 1859.
Synonyms
reconstruct,
restore,
revamp,
renovate,
remodel,
refashion
in the sense of reconstitute
Definition
to reorganize in a slightly different form
Slowly Jewish communities were reconstituted and life began anew.
Synonyms
reconstruct,
restore,
rebuild,
overhaul,
recreate,
regenerate,
reassemble
in the sense of reconstruct
Definition
to build again
The government must reconstruct the shattered economy.
Synonyms
rebuild,
reform,
restore,
recreate,
remake,
renovate,
remodel,
re-establish,
regenerate,
reorganize,
reassemble
Additional synonyms
in the sense of rectify
Definition
to put right
Only an act of Congress could rectify the situation.
Synonyms
correct,
right,
improve,
reform,
square,
fix,
repair,
adjust,
remedy,
amend,
make good,
mend,
redress,
put right,
set the record straight,
emend
in the sense of regenerate
Definition
to undergo or cause to undergo physical, economic, or spiritual renewal
The government will continue to regenerate inner city areas.
Synonyms
renew,
restore,
revive,
renovate,
change,
reproduce,
uplift,
reconstruct,
re-establish,
rejuvenate,
kick-start (informal),
breathe new life into,
invigorate,
reinvigorate,
reawaken,
revivify,
give a shot in the arm,
inspirit
in the sense of rehabilitate
a program for rehabilitating low-income housing
Synonyms
restore,
develop,
convert,
renew,
adjust,
rebuild,
upgrade,
make good,
overhaul,
revamp,
mend,
refurbish,
renovate,
reconstruct,
reinstate,
re-establish,
make over,
refit,
fix up (informal, US, Canadian),
modernize,
reconstitute,
redecorate,
recondition,
reinvigorate
in the sense of renovate
Definition
to restore to good condition
They spent thousands renovating the house.
Synonyms
restore,
repair,
refurbish,
do up (informal),
reform,
renew,
overhaul,
revamp,
recreate,
remodel,
rehabilitate,
refit,
fix up (informal, US, Canadian),
modernize,
reconstitute,
recondition
in the sense of renovation
a property which needs extensive renovation
Synonyms
restoration,
repair,
overhaul,
restoration,
renewal,
rehabilitation,
revamping,
refurbishment,
doing up (informal),
modernization,
refitting,
fixing up (informal, US, Canadian),
reconditioning
in the sense of repair
Definition
to restore (something damaged or broken) to good condition or working order
He has repaired the roof.
Synonyms
mend,
fix,
recover,
restore,
heal,
renew,
patch,
make good,
renovate,
patch up,
put back together,
restore to working order
in the sense of restore
Definition
to reconstruct (a ruin, extinct animal, etc.)
They partly restored a local castle.
Synonyms
repair,
refurbish,
renovate,
reconstruct,
fix (up),
recover,
renew,
rebuild,
mend,
rehabilitate,
touch up,
recondition,
retouch,
set to rights
in the sense of turn over a new leaf
Definition
to begin a new and improved course of behaviour
She realized she was in the wrong and promised to turn over a new leaf.