reformation

noun

ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌre-fər-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act of reforming : the state of being reformed

2

capitalized : a 16th century religious movement marked ultimately by rejection or modification of some Roman Catholic doctrine and practice and establishment of the Protestant churches

reformational

ˌre-fər-ˈmā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of reformation in a Sentence

the reformation of our justice system

Recent Examples on the Web

The protest movement that finally dethroned Suharto in 1998 was called reformasi, or reformation. —Krithika Varagur, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2022

By the way, as a result of its reformations Japan went on to move through the classic stages of the Big Cycle. —Ray Dalio, TIME, 25 June 2024

In a new interview with Mojo, Stevie Nicks dashed any hopes of possible reformation due to the death of Christine McVie. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024

Shot through with clever asides and spiky feelings, the story ponders trust, reformation, and forgiveness. —Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reformation

• self-reformation

Kids Definition

reformation

noun

ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌref-ər-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act of reforming : the state of being reformed

2

capitalized : a 16th century series of religious actions which led to establishment of the Protestant churches

reformational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Legal Definition

reformation

noun

ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌre-fər-ˈmā-shən 

: the act or an instance of reforming

specifically : the equitable remedy of reforming a writing (as a deed or contract) and enforcing it as reformed

Note: Reformation is allowed primarily to correct mistakes such as typographical errors or incorrectly chosen words. Occasionally reformation is permitted in cases of fraud or misrepresentation. Clear and convincing evidence of the mistake and of the intended agreement is usually required; sometimes parol evidence is sufficient to establish the agreement. This remedy is not applicable to wills.