Reclaiming
rɪˈkleɪmɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo retrieve or recover something previously lost, taken away, or abandoned; to bring back into a usable or desirable state.
rɪˈkleɪm
To take back or regain possession of something.
The city is reclaiming abandoned buildings to create affordable housing.
💡 Simply: Imagine you lost your favorite toy, but you find it again. Reclaiming is like getting it back! Like, if a company messes up land, they can reclaim it to make it healthy again.
👶 For kids: Getting something back that was yours before!
More Examples
She is reclaiming her time after years of being busy.
The company is attempting to reclaim the lost market share.
How It's Used
"The company is reclaiming the land after the mining operation is completed."
"The government reclaimed the property that was seized from the criminals."
To make something usable or valuable again; to restore or rehabilitate.
rɪˈkleɪm
To make something usable again; to restore to a better condition.
The organization is working to reclaim the community's lost cultural heritage.
💡 Simply: Like fixing up an old house! Reclaiming means making something broken or bad good again. Like fixing a playground or cleaning a dirty river.
👶 For kids: Making something good again!
More Examples
They are reclaiming the abandoned factory into a modern art space.
The city is reclaiming the polluted land by planting trees.
How It's Used
"Efforts are being made to reclaim polluted rivers and lakes."
"Farmers are reclaiming land to grow crops on."
To assert a right to or ownership of something; to demand or seek the restoration of something lost or taken away.
rɪˈkleɪm
To demand or obtain something as a right or because it is due.
She is reclaiming her independence after her divorce.
💡 Simply: It’s like saying, 'This is mine, and I'm getting it back!' Especially when someone's taking back something important like their self-esteem or control.
👶 For kids: Saying, 'I want that back! It's mine!'
More Examples
The group is reclaiming traditional practices that were suppressed.
Workers are reclaiming their rights with collective bargaining.
How It's Used
"The activists are reclaiming their narrative from the media."
"She is reclaiming her life after years of being controlled."
From Old French *reclamer* (to call back, demand again), from Latin *reclamare* (to cry out, protest), from *re-* (again) + *clamare* (to shout).
The word 'reclaiming' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to taking back or regaining possession of something. The meaning expanded to include restoring or improving the condition of something later on.
Memory tip
Think of *re-calling* something and *claiming* it back.
Word Origin
"to shout"