reform

 
Pronunciation: /rɪˈfɔːm/

verb

[with object]
  • 1make changes in (something, especially an institution or practice) in order to improve it: the Bill will reform the tax system
  • cause (someone) to relinquish an immoral, criminal, or self-destructive lifestyle: the state has a duty to reform criminals (as adjective reformed) I’m considered a reformed character these days
  • [no object] relinquish an immoral, criminal, or self-destructive lifestyle: it was only when his drunken behaviour led to blows that he started to reform
  • 2 Chemistry subject (hydrocarbons) to a catalytic process in which straight-chain molecules are converted to branched forms for use as petrol.

noun

[mass noun]
  • the action or process of reforming an institution or practice: the reform of the divorce laws [count noun]: economic reforms

Derivatives

reformable

adjective

reformative

adjective

reformer

noun

Origin:

Middle English (as a verb in the senses 'restore (peace)' and 'bring back to the original condition'): from Old French reformer or Latin reformare, from re- 'back' + formare 'to form, shape'. The noun dates from the mid 17th century