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Reclaim: meaning, definitions and examples

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reclaim

 

[ rɪˈkleɪm ]

Verb
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

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

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

Translations of the word "reclaim" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reivindicar

🇮🇳 पुनः प्राप्त करना

🇩🇪 zurückfordern

🇮🇩 mengklaim kembali

🇺🇦 відновити

🇵🇱 odzyskać

🇯🇵 取り戻す

🇫🇷 récupérer

🇪🇸 reclamar

🇹🇷 geri almak

🇰🇷 되찾다

🇸🇦 استعادة

🇨🇿 získat zpět

🇸🇰 získať späť

🇨🇳 收回

🇸🇮 pridobiti nazaj

🇮🇸 endurheimta

🇰🇿 қайтару

🇬🇪 დაბრუნება

🇦🇿 geri almaq

🇲🇽 reclamar

Etymology

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.