Reclaim
Verb
UK
/rɪˈkleɪm/
US
/rɪˈkleɪm/
Level: b2
Definition
To get something back or make something useful or valuable again.
Example
"She reclaimed her suitcase."
"The town reclaimed polluted land and transformed it into a beautiful public park for local families."
"The company submitted a reclaim for taxes that had been paid by mistake."
Explanation
Reclaim means to get something back after losing it or to make something useful again. A person can reclaim lost property, confidence, or control. It can also refer to improving damaged land so it can be used again or processing materials, such as paper or metal, so they can be reused. The word is common in environmental, legal, and everyday situations.