reform

¹re·form

verb \ri-ˈfȯrm\

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

Examples of REFORM

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

Origin of REFORM

Middle English, from Anglo-French refurmer, from Latin reformare, from re- + formare to form, from forma form

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REFORM

Synonyms: habilitate, reclaim, redeem, regenerate, rehabilitate

Related Words: reeducate; amend, improve, refine; cleanse, purify, restore

Near Antonyms: abase, canker, corrupt, debauch, degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, lower, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, warp

see all synonyms and antonyms

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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