reflag
Americanverb (used with object)
Etymology
Origin of reflag
First recorded in 1985–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In 1987, with the U.S. highly dependent on Mideast crude and with Kuwaiti tankers coming under attack by Iran, Reagan agreed to reflag 11 Kuwaiti tankers as U.S. vessels and provide escorts for their protection.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
It said: "The ship, initially flying a false flag, turned off its transponders while at sea and sought to reflag while being pursued."
From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026
Cooper said authorities had no current plans to reflag ships and escort them past Yemen.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 22, 2024
“It’s like being without a passport,” Watts said, adding that no state may reflag the ship without violating the sanctions regime.
From Washington Post • Mar. 31, 2023
The Administration offered to reflag the vessels only after the Soviet Union aided the Kuwaitis by leasing them three tankers last March.
From Time Magazine Archive
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
