reclaim

re·claim

transitive verb \ri-ˈklām\

Definition of RECLAIM

1

a : to recall from wrong or improper conduct : reform

b : tame, subdue

2

a : to rescue from an undesirable state; also : to restore to a previous natural state <reclaim mining sites>

b : to make available for human use by changing natural conditions <reclaim swampland>

3

: to obtain from a waste product or by-product : recover <reclaimed plastic>

4

a : to demand or obtain the return of

b : to regain possession of

— re·claim·able \-ˈklā-mə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of RECLAIM

1. Sons and daughters are proudly reclaiming the traditions that their parents had forgotten.
2. She reclaimed the title of world champion this year.
3. You might be able to reclaim some of the money you contributed.
4. Environmental groups have been reclaiming contaminated sites.
5. Acres of land were reclaimed by conservationists.
6. The factory reclaims fibers from textile wastes.

Origin of RECLAIM

Middle English reclamen, from Anglo-French reclamer, from Latin reclamare to cry out, protest, from re- + clamare to cry out — more at claim

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to RECLAIM

Synonyms

get back, reacquire, recapture, recover, re-collect, recoup, regain, repossess, retake, retrieve

Related Words

recruit, replenish; redeem, repurchase; rescue

Near Antonyms

lose, mislay, misplace

See Synonym Discussion at rescue

Rhymes with RECLAIM

A-frame, acclaim, aflame, airframe, ball game, big game, big-name, board game, brand name, byname, code name, cross-claim, declaim, defame, disclaim, endgame, enframe, exclaim, first name, forename, freeze-frame, head game, inflame, last name, mainframe, mind game, misname, nickname, no-name, pen name, place-name, prename, proclaim, quitclaim, selfsame, shell game, skin game, space frame, surname, time frame, trade name, war game