reclaim

verb

re·​claim ri-ˈklām 

reclaimed; reclaiming; reclaims

transitive verb

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

reclaimable

ri-ˈklā-mə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

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

Choose the Right Synonym for reclaim

rescue, deliver, redeem, ransom, reclaim, save mean to set free from confinement or danger.

rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary.

job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment

ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

save may replace any of the foregoing terms; it may further imply a preserving or maintaining for usefulness or continued existence.

an operation that saved my life

Examples of reclaim in a Sentence

Sons and daughters are proudly reclaiming the traditions that their parents had forgotten.

She reclaimed the title of world champion this year.

You might be able to reclaim some of the money you contributed.

Environmental groups have been reclaiming contaminated sites.

Acres of land were reclaimed by conservationists.

The factory reclaims fibers from textile wastes.

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Recent Examples on the Web

That’s not been the prevailing attitude in the European Union’s 5th largest economy, much of which is built on land reclaimed from the sea. —April Roach, Fortune Europe, 21 Nov. 2023

Some of the attacks could also be undercut because voters see the former aides as enablers who are now simply looking to reclaim their reputations. —Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023

Cárdenas’ announcement is unlikely to threaten Democrats’ quest to reclaim the House majority. —Erin B. Logan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2023

To reclaim the voice so often denied to survivors of violence? —Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023

Looking to reclaim her life both personally and professionally, the stakes could not be higher for Jayne in the wake of her tumultuous separation and ongoing legal battles. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 5 Nov. 2023

The murder Landsman investigates turns out to be tied up in a scheme involving a sect of fundamentalist Jews and the U.S. government to reclaim Israel for the Jews. —Jack Butler, National Review, 4 Nov. 2023

The sleek vertical shoe rack provides a neat and tidy solution to help reclaim floor space. —Poppy Morgan, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2023

Some of the standout features of the townhouse-style condo are its soaring 18-foot ceilings, reclaimed heartwood pine floors, and walls of floor-to-ceiling windows. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

reclaim

verb

re·​claim ri-ˈklām 

1

: to make someone better in behavior or character : reform

reclaim criminals

2

: to change to a desirable condition or state

reclaim the desert for agriculture

also : to restore to a previous natural state

reclaim mining sites

3

: to obtain from a waste product or by-product : recover

reclaimed wool

reclaimable

-ˈklā-mə-bəl 

adjective

Legal Definition

reclaim

transitive verb

re·​claim ˌrē-ˈklām 

1

: to make fit or available for human use

reclaiming land that had been strip-mined

2

a

: to demand the return of by right

b

: to regain possession of