reform

re|form¹ [rıˈfo:m US -o:rm] v

[Date: 1300-1400; : Old French; Origin: reformer, from Latin reformare, from formare 'to form']

1.) [T]

to improve a system, law, organization etc by making a lot of changes to it, so that it operates in a fairer or more effective way

▪ plans to radically reform the tax system

2.) [I and T]

to change your behaviour and become a better person, or to make someone do this

▪ Greeley says he's a genuinely reformed character .

▪ a reformed criminal

reform ²

reform² W2 n [U and C]

a change or changes made to a system or organization in order to improve it

reform of

▪ a reform of the legal system

economic/political/educational reform

▪ The government announced a much-needed programme of economic reform.

▪ Reforms were made to revive the economy.

far-reaching/sweeping/radical reforms

▪ The Prime Minister is calling for sweeping reforms of the NHS.