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Reclaim Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reclaim

[rɪˈkleɪm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

environmental

To reclaim something means to bring it back to a useful state, especially by reusing or recycling materials. It often refers to restoring land to its natural state after industrial use.

Synonyms

recover, recycle, regain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reclaim

Often used in the context of taking back something that was lost or taken away, particularly in legal or ownership contexts.

  • The company is planning to reclaim the land that was taken by the government.
  • After the war, they worked to reclaim their lost territories.
recover

Commonly used when a person or thing returns to a normal state after being in a bad condition, like health recovery or data recovery.

  • It took him months to recover from the illness.
  • Engineers are trying to recover the lost data from the crashed server.
regain

Often used when something that had been lost, like possession, control, or a state of mind, is obtained again.

  • She worked hard to regain her confidence after the accident.
  • The team is trying to regain the lead in the championship.
recycle

Typically used when something is processed so that it can be used again, especially in the context of waste and environmental conservation.

  • We need to recycle more to reduce waste.
  • These bottles can be recycled into new products.

Examples of usage

  • The company reclaimed the old factory site and turned it into a beautiful park.
  • After the mining activity ceased, efforts were made to reclaim the land and plant trees.
  • The government implemented a program to reclaim abandoned buildings and turn them into affordable housing.
  • The initiative aims to reclaim plastic waste and transform it into new products.
  • In order to reclaim valuable resources, we need to focus on sustainable practices.
Context #2 | Verb

personal

To reclaim something can also mean to take back possession or control of something that was yours.

Synonyms

recoup, repossess, retrieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reclaim

Used when you want to get something back that was taken or lost, often after a legal or formal process.

  • She went to the lost and found to reclaim her umbrella.
  • The company is working to reclaim its reputation after the scandal.
retrieve

Used when you physically go and get something back or bring it back, often implying that the action is straightforward and without complications.

  • He reached into the drawer to retrieve the documents.
  • The dog quickly ran to retrieve the ball.
recoup

Commonly used in financial or business contexts to talk about getting back money that was spent or lost.

  • The movie needs to make a lot of money to recoup its production costs.
  • He managed to recoup his losses through prudent investments.
repossess

Typically used when a lender or seller takes back an item, usually because the buyer failed to make payments.

  • The bank had to repossess her car after she missed several payments.
  • If you don’t make your mortgage payments, the bank can repossess your house.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to reclaim her independence and start her own business.
  • He was determined to reclaim his reputation after the scandal.
  • The artist reclaimed his artwork from the gallery and decided to exhibit it elsewhere.
  • After years of struggle, he finally reclaimed ownership of his family's land.
  • The community united to reclaim their rights and demand justice.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • Reclaiming land often involves taking back areas that were previously used for agriculture or urbanization, making them safe for nature.
  • The process of reclaiming involves rehabilitating polluted or degraded land, often improving ecosystems for wildlife.
  • An example of reclaiming in practice is the transformation of former industrial sites into parks to support both biodiversity and recreation.

Cultural Context

  • In social movements, reclaiming words or symbols can empower marginalized groups, transforming negative connotations into pride.
  • Musicians sometimes reclaim styles from previous generations, breathing new life into genres and influencing modern sounds.
  • Reclaiming heritage can involve practices that revive traditional crafts, languages, or rituals that risk being lost over time.

Psychology

  • Reclaiming personal agency is a significant aspect of mental health, enabling individuals to take control of their lives after trauma.
  • The act of reclaiming can help improve self-esteem, as it involves recognizing one's value and worth.
  • Therapeutic practices often encourage reclaiming parts of one's identity that may have been suppressed or lost due to societal pressures.

Pop Culture

  • In film and literature, characters often go on journeys to reclaim lost items, identities, or relationships, symbolizing personal growth.
  • Television shows sometimes focus on the theme of reclaiming power or status, reflecting societal struggles and triumphs.
  • Reclaiming narratives in storytelling allows diverse voices to tell their own stories, diverging from mainstream portrayals.

Origin of 'reclaim'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'reclamare', meaning to 'cry out' or 'call back', reflecting the act of bringing something back.
  • The prefix 're-' means 'again', while 'claim' refers to asserting a right to something, combining to imply 'claiming again'.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the 15th century, mainly in the context of recovering land or resources.

The word 'reclaim' originated from the Old French word 'reclamer', which meant 'to call out, cry out, claim.' It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the sense of 'to call back, summon back.' Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of restoring something to a better state or taking back possession. The environmental sense of reclaiming land or materials emerged in the 19th century, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability and conservation efforts.

See also: acclaim, claim, claimable, claimant, claimed, claims, counterclaim, disclaim, disclaimer, exclaim, proclaim, unclaimed.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,383, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.