reclaim

[ri-kleym]

verb (used with object)

1. to bring (uncultivated areas or wasteland) into a condition for cultivation or other use.

2. to recover (substances) in a pure or usable form from refuse, discarded articles, etc.

   Synonyms: restore, regain

3. to bring back to a preferable manner of living, sound principles, ideas, etc.

4. to tame.

5. re-claim.

verb (used without object)

1. to protest; object.

noun

1. reclamation.

   beyond reclaim.

reclaim

/ rɪˈkleɪm /

verb

1. to claim back

   to reclaim baggage

2. to convert (desert, marsh, waste ground, etc) into land suitable for growing crops

3. to recover (useful substances) from waste products

4. to convert (someone) from sin, folly, vice, etc

5. falconry to render (a hawk or falcon) tame

noun

1. the act of reclaiming or state of being reclaimed

Other Word Forms

• reclaimant noun
• reclaimable adjective
• reclaimer noun
• nonreclaimable adjective
• unreclaimable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reclaim¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; (verb) Middle English recla(i)men, from Old French reclamer (tonic stem reclaim- ), from Latin reclāmāre “to cry out against,” equivalent to re- + clāmāre “to claim”; (noun) Middle English reclaim(e), from Old French reclaim, reclam, derivative of reclamer ; re-, claim

Word History and Origins

Origin of reclaim¹

C13: from Old French réclamer , from Latin reclāmāre to cry out, protest, from _re- + clāmāre to shout

Synonym Study

See recover.

Example Sentences

He was poised to reclaim the lead with a dominant victory in Malaysia towards the end of the year, only for his engine to fail.

From BBC

But, after spending roughly £330m across this summer and January's transfer window, City were expected to return refreshed, revitalised and ready to reclaim the Premier League title.

From BBC

Norris lost second to Max Verstappen on the first lap, but pressured Piastri throughout after reclaiming the place a few laps later.

From BBC

Lawyers for Goudstikker's estate said they would make every effort to reclaim the painting.

From BBC

The company’s founders are reclaiming ownership and steering the brand back to its roots, emphasizing family-friendly dining, community engagement, and charitable initiatives.

From Salon

Related Words

• convert 
• recover 
• rescue 
• restore 
• salvage