verb
reclaim
rih-KLAYM/rɪˈkleɪm/
To recover something for renewed possession or use.
Residents reclaim the abandoned lot and turn it into a garden.
Etymology
‘Crying out’ became calling a hawk back, then taming or bringing something under control. Making land useful probably extends that idea of control; ‘getting back by effort’ may reflect influence from claim.
In context
If a mother's circumstances improved and she wished to reclaim her child, the token would confirm her identity.
More examples
- She reclaims her lost suitcase at the airline's service desk.
- We reclaimed wood from the old barn to build a table.
- He is reclaiming his weekends by turning off work notifications.
Forms
reclaim · reclaims · reclaimed · reclaiming
reclamation noun — The recovery or restoration of something.