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claim

v. · n.
US //ˈkɫeɪm// UK //klˈeɪm// claim
  1. 1 to assert as true (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to say that something is true, even though you have not proved it yet.

    to assert that something is the case, typically without providing immediate proof or evidence.

    Example

    He claims that he saw a ghost in the hallway, but nobody believes him.

    Example

    The company continues to claim that their product is environmentally friendly, despite several independent reports suggesting otherwise.
  2. 2 to demand a right (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to ask for something because you believe it belongs to you or you have a right to it.

    to demand or request something as a right or as due to one.

    Example

    You can claim your travel expenses back from the company after the trip.

    Example

    After the storm damage, the homeowners moved quickly to claim compensation from their insurance provider for the structural repairs.
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  1. 3 to cause death (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to cause the death of someone, usually during an accident or disaster.

    to result in the loss of life. Transitive use often found in news reporting.

    Example

    The heavy floods claimed three lives in the small village last night.

    Example

    The earthquake claimed thousands of lives and left the city's infrastructure in a state of total collapse.
  2. 4 a statement of truth (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a statement that something is true, which might be doubted by others.

    an assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed or in doubt.

    Example

    The government's claim that taxes would not rise was met with anger.

    Example

    Scientists are investigating the claim that this ancient herb can effectively treat modern viral infections.
  3. 5 legal/insurance demand (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    a formal request for money from an insurance company or the government.

    a formal request for something, typically money, to which one has a right.

    Example

    She filed a claim for the damage to her car after the accident.

    Example

    The legal team spent months preparing a claim for damages against the manufacturer for the faulty equipment.
Origin

From Middle English claimen, borrowed from Old French clamer (“to call, name, send for”), from Latin clāmō, clāmāre (“to call, cry out”), from Proto-Italic klāmāō, from Proto-Indo-European kelh₁- (“to shout”), which is imitative. See also Lithuanian kalba (“language”), Old English hlōwan (“to low, make a noise like a cow”), Old High German halan (“to call”), Ancient Greek καλέω (kaléō, “to call, convoke”), κλέδον (klédon, “report, fame”), κέλαδος (kélados, “noise”), Middle Irish cailech (“cock”), Latin calō (“to call out, announce solemnly”), Sanskrit उषःकल (uṣaḥkala, “cock”, literally “dawn-calling”). Cognate with Spanish llamar and clamar.

Idioms2 entries

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