claim: Meaning and Definition of

claim

Pronunciation: (klām), [key]
— v.t.
  1. to demand by or as by virtue of a right; demand as a right or as due: to claim an estate by inheritance.
  2. to assert and demand the recognition of (a right, title, possession, etc.); assert one's right to: to claim payment for services.
  3. to assert or maintain as a fact: She claimed that he was telling the truth.
  4. to require as due or fitting: to claim respect.
—v.i.
  1. to make or file a claim: to claim for additional compensation.
—n.
  1. a demand for something as due; an assertion of a right or an alleged right: He made unreasonable claims on the doctor's time.
  2. an assertion of something as a fact: He made no claims to originality.
  3. a right to claim or demand; a just title to something: His claim to the heavyweight title is disputed.
  4. something that is claimed, esp. a piece of public land for which formal request is made for mining or other purposes.
  5. a request or demand for payment in accordance with an insurance policy, a workers' compensation law, etc.: We filed a claim for compensation from the company.
  6. to declare oneself entitled to: I have never laid claim to being an expert in tax laws.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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