reform

reform

verb

Definition of REFORM

1

to make better in behavior or character <volunteers at a camp that tries to reform troubled youths>

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

2

to change one's behavior or character for the better <an alcoholic who's been trying to reform ever since he was arrested for drunk driving>

Synonyms amend, mend, shape up, straighten (up or out)

Related Words behave, regenerate; better, improve

Phrases clean up one's act

Near Antonyms backslide, regress

3

to remove errors, defects, deficiencies, or deviations from <he had better reform his ways if he wants any of us to trust him>

Synonyms amend, debug, emend, rectify, red-pencil, reform, remedy

Related Words redraft, redraw, restyle, revise, rework, rewrite; blue-pencil, cut, shorten; redress, right; ameliorate, better, improve; perfect, polish, touch up; fix, mend, repair; adjust, modulate, regulate; alter, change, modify

Near Antonyms damage, harm, hurt, impair, injure, mar, spoil; aggravate, worsen