reform

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses

   justice was for sale before the reform of the law courts

2. 2
   noun

   self-improvement in behavior or morals by abandoning some vice

   the family rejoiced in the drunkard's reform

3. 3
   noun

   a campaign aimed to correct abuses or malpractices

   The reforms we proposed were too radical for the politicians.

4. 4
   verb

   change for the better

   The lazy student promised to reform

5. 5
   verb

   make changes for improvement in order to remove abuse and injustices

   reform a political system

6. 6
   verb

   improve by alteration or correction of errors or defects and put into a better condition

   reform the health system in this country

7. 7
   verb

   break up the molecules of

   reform oil

8. 8
   verb

   produce by cracking

   reform gas

Etymology

From Middle English reformen, from Old French reformer, from Latin reformo, reformare. As a noun since 1660s, from French réforme.