First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
reclaim
verb re·claim \ri-ˈklām\
: to get back (something that was lost or taken away)
: to make (land) available for use by changing its condition
: to get (a usable material) from materials that have been used before
Full Definition of RECLAIM
transitive verb
2
a : to rescue from an undesirable state; also : to restore to a previous natural state <reclaim mining sites> b : to make available for human use by changing natural conditions <reclaim swampland>
3
: to obtain from a waste product or by-product : recover <reclaimed plastic>
4
a : to demand or obtain the return of b : to regain possession of
— re·claim·able \-ˈklā-mə-bəl\ adjective
See reclaim defined for English-language learners
See reclaim defined for kids
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Origin of RECLAIM
Middle English reclamen, from Anglo-French reclamer, from Latin reclamare to cry out, protest, from re- + clamare to cry out — more at claim
Related to RECLAIM
Synonym Discussion of RECLAIM
rescue, deliver, redeem, ransom, reclaim, save mean to set free from confinement or danger. rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action <rescued the crew of a sinking ship>. deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering <delivered his people from bondage>. redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary <job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment>. ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity <tried to ransom the kidnap victim>. reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased <reclaimed long-abandoned farms>. save may replace any of the foregoing terms; it may further imply a preserving or maintaining for usefulness or continued existence <an operation that saved my life>.
Rhymes with RECLAIM
A-frame, acclaim, aflame, airframe, ball game, big game, big-name, board game, brand name, byname, code name, cross-claim, declaim, defame, disclaim, endgame, enframe, exclaim, first name, forename, freeze-frame, head game, inflame, last name, mainframe, mind game, misname, nickname, no-name, pen name, place-name, prename, proclaim, quitclaim, selfsame, shell game, skin game, space frame, surname, time frame, trade name, war game
RECLAIM Defined for Kids
reclaim
verb re·claim \ri-ˈklām\
re·claimedre·claim·ing
Definition of RECLAIM for Kids
1
: to get back (something that was lost or taken away) <The skater reclaimed her championship.>
2
: to restore to an original state <reclaim a swamp>
3
: to obtain from a waste product or by-product <The bottles are made from reclaimed plastic.>
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