reform
UK[rɪˈfɔːm]US[rɪˈfɔːrm]
v
to make changes to something in order to improve it, especially a law, system, or organization.
n
a change made to a law, system, or organization in order to improve it.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
form
re
again
form
shape
Etymology
The word "reform" entered English in the 14th century from Old French reformer, which itself descended from the Latin reformare, meaning "to form again, change, transform." The Latin term is a compound of the prefix re-, indicating repetition or backward motion, and the verb formare, "to form or shape," derived from forma (a mold or pattern). The core semantic logic has remained remarkably consistent: the act of reshaping or changing the form of something—be it an individual's behavior, a religious institution, or a political system—with the intent of restoring it to a better, original, or idealized state. This journey from the literal concept of physical reshaping to the abstract notion of systematic improvement for correction or amelioration encapsulates the word's evolution.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + form (shape)
re- is a prefix of Latin origin meaning "again" or "back." form is a root of Latin origin (from forma) meaning "shape," "mold," or "pattern."
Examples
The government is committed to reforming the healthcare system.
The new leader promised a series of economic reforms.
He reformed his lifestyle after the health scare.