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

ring the changes/reforms, set one's house in order/reform, old habits die hard

reform school, reform movement, reform Judaism

Formal and Informal Expressions of reform

In different contexts, you can replace 'reform' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'improve, amend, rectify' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'fix, change, make better' is a commonplace synonym.

reform: Explore its Definition & Usage

reform Definition

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

Antonyms for reform

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.