Reform means to make changes that improve something, especially by fixing problems or removing what's wrong. When someone reforms a system, they work to make it better and fairer without tearing it down completely and starting over.

Schools sometimes reform their grading systems to be clearer and more helpful. Cities reform traffic laws to make roads safer. Throughout history, reformers have worked to change unfair laws and practices, like when people fought to end child labor in factories or to give women the right to vote. These reformers saw problems and pushed for specific changes to fix them.

Reform is different from revolution. Revolution throws out the old system entirely and builds something new. Reform keeps the basic structure but improves how it works, like renovating a house instead of demolishing it and building from scratch.

The word can also describe personal change. When someone reforms their behavior, they recognize their mistakes and work to do better. A student who reformed their study habits might start organizing their time better and asking for help when needed.

A reformer is someone who works for reform, while reformatory used to describe places where young people who broke the law were sent to learn better behavior, though we rarely use that term today.