reform

A change made to improve a system, organization, rule, or practice.

• The system needs reform.
• The government introduced several tax reforms.
• Will these reforms improve access to health care?

How to use it: reform of something (They called for reform of the school system.)

Similar words: improvement, overhaul

Common phrases: tax reform, political reform, introduce a reform

To improve a system or organization by changing things that do not work well.

• We need to reform this system.
• The government reformed the tax laws.
• They are reforming how schools receive money.

Similar words: improve, overhaul

Common phrases: reform the system, reform tax laws, reform public services

To stop behaving badly and start living or acting in a better way.

• He promised to reform.
• Some offenders reform after leaving prison.
• She has truly reformed and now helps others.

Similar words: mend one's ways, change for the better

Common phrases: try to reform, reform completely, refuse to reform

To make someone behave better, or to change a bad habit into a good one.

• The program aims to reform young offenders.
• She tried to reform his bad habits.
• Can punishment alone reform a criminal?

Similar words: rehabilitate, correct

Opposites: corrupt

Common phrases: reform someone, reform bad habits, reform someone's character