Definition of: reform

(ri·fôrm′) v.t.
1. To make better by removing abuses, altering, etc.; restore to a better condition: to reform a corrupt city government; to reform inefficient business procedures.
2. To make better morally; persuade or educate from a sinful to a moral life: to reform a prostitute.
3. To put an end to; stop (an abuse, malpractice, etc.).
—v.i.
4. To give up sin or error; become better. See synonyms under AMEND, RECLAIM.
—noun An act or result of reformation; change for the better, especially in administration; correction of evils or abuses; abandonment of vicious habits. [<OF reformer <L reformare <re- again + formare form]
—re·form′a·tive adjective
—re·form′er, re·form′ist noun