claim definition

1. an assertion of a right (as to money or property)
• examples: his claim asked for damages
2. an assertion that something is true or factual
• examples: his claim that he was innocent
• examples: evidence contradicted the government's claims
3. demand for something as rightful or due
• examples: they struck in support of their claim for a shorter work day
4. an informal right to something
• examples: his claim on her attentions
• examples: his title to fame
5. assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing
• examples: He claimed that he killed the burglar
6. demand as being one's due or property; assert one's right or title to
• examples: He claimed his suitcases at the airline counter
• examples: Mr. Smith claims special tax exemptions because he is a foreign resident
7. ask for legally or make a legal claim to, as of debts, for example
• examples: They claimed on the maximum allowable amount
8. lay claim to; as of an idea
• examples: She took credit for the whole idea
9. take as an undesirable consequence of some event or state of affairs
• examples: the accident claimed three lives
• examples: The hard work took its toll on her