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View synonyms for reformatory

reformatory

adjective

  1. serving or designed to reform: reformatory punishments.

    reformatory lectures;

    reformatory punishments.



noun

plural reformatories.
  1. Also called reform school. (no longer in official use) a penal institution for reforming young offenders, especially minors. juvenile detention center.

reformatory

/ -trɪ; rɪˈfɔːmətərɪ /

noun

  1. Also calledreform school (formerly) a place of instruction where young offenders were sent for corrective training Compare approved school
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. having the purpose or function of reforming
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Words From

  • pre·re·form·a·to·ry adjective
  • pseu·do·re·form·a·to·ry adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of reformatory1

First recorded in 1580–90 reformatory fordef 1; in 1750–60 reformatory fordef 2; reform ( def ) + -atory ( def ).

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