WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Re*form" (r*frm")
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [F. r?former, L. reformare; pref. re- re- + formare to form, from forma form. See Form.]
Definition : Defn: 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.

Syn. -- To amend; correct; emend; rectify; mend; repair; better; improve; restore; reclaim.

t.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Re*form"
Part of Speech : v.
Definition : Defn: To return to a good state; to amend or correct one's own character or habits; as, a man of settled habits of vice will seldom reform.

i.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Re*form"
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. r?forme.]
Definition : Defn: Amendment of what is defective, vicious, corrupt, or depraved; reformation; as, reform of elections; reform of government. Civil service reform. See under Civil. -- Reform acts (Eng. Politics), acts of Parliament passed in 1832, 1867, 1884, 1885, extending and equalizing popular representation in Parliament. -- Reform school, a school established by a state or city government, for the confinement, instruction, and reformation of juvenile offenders, and of young persons of idle, vicious, and vagrant habits. [U. S.]

Syn. -- Reformation; amendment; rectification; correction. See Reformation.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913