Definition of "reform" in English

noun

1. The change of something that is defective, broken, inefficient or otherwise negative, in order to correct or improve it

   • The elections need to undergo a serious reform.
   • Major reform is needed to improve the efficiency in the factory.
   • 19 February 2011, Barack Obama, Presidential Weekly Address, America Will Win the Future […] over the past two years, my administration has made education a top priority. We’ve launched a competition called “Race to the Top” – a reform that is lifting academic standards and getting results; not because Washington dictated the answers, but because states and local schools pursued innovative solutions.

verb

1. (transitive) 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 reform a profligate man; to reform corrupt manners or morals; to reform a criminal

2. (intransitive) To return to a good state; to amend or correct one's own character or habits.

   • It is hoped that many criminals, upon being freed, will eventually reform.

3. (transitive, intransitive) To form again or in a new configuration.

   • This product contains reformed meat.
   • The regiment reformed after surviving the first attack.