Reform | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Re-fōrm', v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [Fr. réformer, Pr., Sp., & Pg. re-formar, It. riformare, Lat. reformare, from re, again, and formare, to form, from forma, form.]

Sense 1. To form again; to create or shape anew.

Sense 2. Especially, to put into a new and improved form or condition; to restore to a former good state, or bring from bad to good; to change from worse to better; to amend; to correct; as, to reform a profligate man; to reform corrupt manners or morals.

The example alone of a vicious prince will corrupt an age; but that of a good one will not reform it. Swift.

Synonyms—To amend; correct; amend; rectify; mend; repair; better; improve; restore; reclaim. See AMEND.

Re-fōrm', v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To return to a good state; to be amended or corrected; as, a man of settled habits of vice will seldom reform.

Re-fōrm’, n.

noun

n. [Fr. réforme.] Amendment of what is defective, vicious, corrupt, or depraved; reformation; as, reform of parliamentary elections; reform of government. Syn.—Reformation; amendment; rectification; correction. See REFORMATION.

Rē-fôrm’, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. REFORMED; p. pr. & vb. n. REFORMING.] [Prefix re and form.] To form anew or a second time; to give a new form to.