reclaim - Definition & Meaning

claim

Third Person

reclaims

Present Participle

reclaiming

Past Tense

reclaimed

Past Participle

reclaimed

to get back something that has been lost, taken away, etc.

transitive

After years of legal battles, she finally reclaimed her family's ancestral land.
He reclaimed his stolen bicycle by tracking it down and retrieving it from the pawn shop.
The homeowner reclaimed her stolen jewelry after it was recovered by the police.
After years of struggle, they were able to reclaim their independence.
He managed to reclaim his lost luggage from the airport’s lost and found.

Synonyms:

to recycle and obtain useful material from waste

transitive

The company reclaimed plastic bottles from landfills and turned them into new packaging materials.
The school launched a campaign to reclaim used notebooks and paper to reduce waste.
The environmental organization reclaimed glass bottles from local businesses to be remolded into new glassware.
The recycling facility reclaimed electronic waste, such as old computers and smartphones.

to train or domesticate a wild or unruly animal

transitive

The experienced horse trainer worked tirelessly to reclaim the wild mustang.
It took months of dedicated effort to reclaim the aggressive dog.
The falconer used gentle methods to reclaim the young falcon, fostering a bond of trust and cooperation between bird and handler.
With patience and consistency, the animal behaviorist helped reclaim the traumatized rescue dog.
Despite its stubborn nature, the farmer was determined to reclaim the unruly ox.

Synonyms:

to help someone overcome negative behaviors or habits

transitive

The mentorship program aims to reclaim troubled youth from a life of crime.
The community outreach initiative works to reclaim individuals involved in gang activity.
The social worker works tirelessly to reclaim victims of human trafficking.
The church outreach program aims to reclaim individuals who have become entangled in cycles of addiction.
Through educational programs and community outreach, the organization works to reclaim individuals involved in radical extremism.

Synonyms:

to restore waste land for agricultural or other productive purposes

transitive

The farmers reclaimed the marshlands by draining them and converting them into fertile fields.
Engineers implemented a project to reclaim coastal wetlands for rice cultivation.
Environmentalists worked to reclaim degraded lands through reforestation and soil rehabilitation initiatives.
The irrigation system allowed farmers to reclaim arid lands for orchards and vineyards.
The community organization launched a campaign to reclaim neglected urban spaces for community gardens and green spaces.

Synonyms: