reformer

American  

[ri-fawr-mer] / rɪˈfɔr mər /

noun

1. a person devoted to bringing about significant change in attitudes and practices, such as in politics or society generally or within a particular organization.

2. Church History. Reformer, any of the leaders of the Reformation.

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Other Word Forms

• antireformer noun
• counterreformer noun

Etymology

Origin of reformer

First recorded in 1520–30; reform + -er ¹

Example Sentences

To the outside world it seemed an almost miraculous democratic transition, evidence perhaps that among the stony-faced generals there might be genuine reformers.

From BBC

On the way in, I had seen women in the reformer room chatting animatedly as they packed up.

From Los Angeles Times

For the reformers too, “if the ship goes down, they are sinking with it,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

With a return to pre-1848 conditions impossible, and concessions to modernity politically necessary and economically promising, Central European conservatives became “radical reformers.”

From The Wall Street Journal

County officials had previously balked at sharing certain sensitive files on sheriff’s deputies, and some reformers worry the new law may not go far enough.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agitator
• anarchist
• extremist
• fanatic
• firebrand
• insurgent
• leftist
• militant
• progressive
• rebel
• renegade
• revolutionary
• rioter
• subversive