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to form again.
the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, unsatisfactory, etc.:
social reform; spelling reform.
an instance of this.
the amendment of conduct, belief, etc.
to change to a better state, form, etc.; improve by alteration, substitution, abolition, etc.
to cause (a person) to abandon wrong or evil ways of life or conduct.
to put an end to (abuses, disorders, etc.).
Chemistry. to subject to the process of , as in refining petroleum.
to abandon evil conduct or error:
The drunkard promised to reform.
(initial capital letter) of, relating to, or characteristic of Reform Jews or Reform Judaism:
a Reform rabbi.
Contemporary Examples

“They (critics of reform) think these people are expendable,” says Simpson.
The Anguish of Alan Simpson, Tragic Hero of Immigration Reform Eleanor Clift January 30, 2014

reform, such as it is, is being carved up in Congress and any bill passed will surely be inadequate.
Geithner’s Stock Plummeting Jeff Madrick November 17, 2009

reform brought very different supporters to the table: not just prairie voters, but blue-collar workers, immigrants and others.
Are Conservative Civil Wars a Good Idea? David Frum March 3, 2013

Walter Mondale emerged from his Twin Cities igloo to stump for reform.
The Liberal Case for Stonewalling Samuel P. Jacobs January 4, 2011

It passed because the House contains dozens of culturally conservative Democrats, many of whom voted yes on reform.
The Dems’ Smart Abortion Move Peter Beinart November 9, 2009

Historical Examples

“The reform has commenced,” she cried gaily, seeing how they looked at her.
The Stowmarket Mystery Louis Tracy

With the year 1869 Mr. Gladstone entered upon a great period of reform.
The Grand Old Man Richard B. Cook

It was hoped to anticipate the demands of the Conference by a scheme of reform wider than they were likely to advise.
The Turkish Empire, its Growth and Decay Lord Eversley

He told her that certain responsibilities were hers, but that she could not reform the world.
K Mary Roberts Rinehart

To reform and elevate the class of criminals, we must reform and elevate all other classes.
Speeches, Addresses, and Occasional Sermons, Volume 1 (of 3) Theodore Parker

verb
(transitive) to improve (an existing institution, law, practice, etc) by alteration or correction of abuses
to give up or cause to give up a reprehensible habit or immoral way of life
(chem) to change the molecular structure of (a hydrocarbon) to make it suitable for use as petrol by heat, pressure, and the action of catalysts
noun
an improvement or change for the better, esp as a result of correction of legal or political abuses or malpractices
a principle, campaign, or measure aimed at achieving such change
improvement of morals or behaviour, esp by giving up some vice
verb
to form anew
v.

c.1300, “to convert into another and better form,” from Old French reformer “rebuild, reconstruct, recreate” (12c.), from Latin reformare “to form again, change, transform, alter,” from re- “again” (see re-) + formare “to form” (see form (n.)). Intransitive sense from 1580s.

Meaning “to bring (a person) away from an evil course of life” is recorded from early 15c.; of governments, institutions, etc., from early 15c. Related: Reformed; reforming. Reformed churches (1580s) usually are Calvinist as opposed to Lutheran. Reformed Judaism (1843) is a movement initiated in Germany by Moses Mendelssohn (1729-1786). Reform school is attested from 1859.
n.

“any proceeding which brings back a better order of things,” 1660s, from reform (v.) and in some uses from French réforme. As a branch of Judaism from 1843.
v.

“form again,” mid-14c., from re- + form (v.). Related: Re-formed; re-forming; re-formation.