reform

[rɪˈfɔːm]

reform Definition

• 1. make changes in (something, especially an institution or practice) in order to improve it
• 2. a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses
• 3. the action or process of reforming an institution or practice

Using reform: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reform" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The government promised to reform the healthcare system.

• Example

  The school is planning to reform its disciplinary policies.

• Example

  The company underwent a major reform after the scandal.

• Example

  The political party is calling for reforms in the justice system.

reform Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for reform

• improve
• amend
• revamp
• reorganize
• restructure

Antonyms for reform

• corrupt
• worsen

Idioms Using reform

• ring the changes/reforms

  make a series of changes or improvements in something

  Example

  The new CEO promised to ring the changes in the company's management structure.

• set one's house in order/reform

  put one's affairs in order or make necessary changes to improve one's situation

  Example

  After losing his job, he decided to set his house in order by going back to school.

• old habits die hard

  it is difficult to change one's established patterns of behavior

  Example

  Even after years of therapy, some people find that old habits die hard.

Phrases with reform

• reform school

  a school for juvenile delinquents, where they are given discipline and training

  Example

  He was sent to a reform school after being caught stealing.

• reform movement

  an organized effort to bring about social or political change, usually by improving laws or institutions

  Example

  The civil rights movement was a reform movement that aimed to end racial discrimination.

• reform Judaism

  a branch of Judaism that emphasizes modernity and social justice, and adapts traditional practices to contemporary circumstances

  Example

  She converted to reform Judaism after attending a liberal synagogue.

Origins of reform

from Latin 'reformare', meaning 'to form again'

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Summary: reform in Brief

The verb 'reform' [rɪˈfɔːm] means to make changes in order to improve something, often referring to institutions or practices. Examples include 'The government promised to reform the healthcare system.' and 'The company underwent a major reform after the scandal.' The term extends into phrases like 'reform school,' and idioms like 'ring the changes/reforms,' denoting a series of changes, and 'old habits die hard,' implying difficulty in changing established behavior.