redress
Americannoun
-
the setting right of what is wrong.
redress of abuses.
- Synonyms:
- atonement, remedy, restoration
-
relief from wrong or injury.
-
compensation or satisfaction for a wrong or injury.
verb (used with object)
verb
-
to put right (a wrong), esp by compensation; make reparation for
to redress a grievance
-
to correct or adjust (esp in the phrase redress the balance )
-
to make compensation to (a person) for a wrong
noun
-
the act or an instance of setting right a wrong; remedy or cure
to seek redress of grievances
-
compensation, amends, or reparation for a wrong, injury, etc
-
relief from poverty or want
Synonym Usage
Redress, reparation, restitution suggest making amends or giving indemnification for a wrong. Redress may refer either to the act of setting right an unjust situation (as by some power), or to satisfaction sought or gained for a wrong suffered: the redress of grievances. Reparation means compensation or satisfaction for a wrong or loss inflicted. The word may have the moral idea of amends: to make reparation for one's neglect; but more frequently it refers to financial compensation (which is asked for, rather than given): the reparations demanded of the aggressor nations. Restitution means literally the restoration of what has been taken from the lawful owner: He demanded restitution of his land; it may also refer to restoring the equivalent of what has been taken: They made him restitution for his land.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
redresssimple
-
redressessimple
-
have redressedperfect
-
has redressedperfect
-
are redressingprogressive
-
am redressingprogressive
-
is redressingprogressive
-
have been redressingperfect progressive
-
has been redressingperfect progressive
Past
-
redressedsimple
-
had redressedperfect
-
was redressingprogressive
-
were redressingprogressive
-
had been redressingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of redress
First recorded in 1275–1325; (verb) Middle English redressen, from Middle French redresser, Old French redrecier, equivalent to re- re- + drecier “to straighten” ( see dress); (noun) Middle English, from Anglo-French redresse, redresce, derivative of the verb
Explanation
The verb redress is used when you are supposed to fix a problem and make amends. You want your parents to redress the fact that you don't have a pet. Your parents offer to get a hamster, but instead, you say you want a monkey. Redress can be used as both a noun and a verb. In the noun form, it is the compensation for setting something right. As a verb it means to correct, right a wrong, or make restitution for something. The union organizers wanted the company to redress the fact that workers weren't getting lunch breaks.
Vocabulary lists containing redress
The Declaration of Independence
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Bill of Rights
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Monster
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"We can confirm that 259 survivors have entered the process, many of whom have received interim compensation," the Harrods Redress Scheme said in a statement sent to AFP.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
Rupert Skilbeck, director of Redress, said: "The UK government should be doing more to end this injustice against a British citizen."
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
In cases where the customer cannot be identified, Ofgem said E.On will pay into the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme - a charity which supports vulnerable energy customers.
From BBC • Nov. 20, 2024
People who believe they’re wrongfully named on the watchlist, in contrast, must turn to the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program, run by the Department of Homeland Security.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 13, 2023
Redress was not granted, and his messenger never returned to him.
From Blackwoods Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 59, No. 366, April, 1846 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
