Dictionary
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.
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v.i.
to make or file a claim:
to claim for additional compensation.
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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. lay claim to, 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.