redemption
Americannoun
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an act of atoning for guilt, a fault, or a mistake, or the state of having atoned.
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an act or the state of being rescued.
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Christianity. deliverance from sin; salvation.
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repurchase of something sold, such as to a pawn shop.
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paying off, as of a mortgage, bond, or note.
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recovery by payment, as of something pledged.
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conversion of paper money into coins.
noun
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the act or process of redeeming
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the state of being redeemed
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Christianity
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deliverance from sin through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ
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atonement for guilt
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conversion of paper money into bullion or specie
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removal of a financial obligation by paying off a note, bond, etc
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( as modifier )
redemption date
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Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of redemption
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English redempcioun, from Middle French redemption, from Late Latin redēmptiōn-, stem of redēmptiō “deliverance, buyback,” from Latin redēmpt(us) “bought back” (past participle of redimere “to buy back, repurchase”; see redeem) + -iō -ion
Explanation
Redemption is the buying back of something. You might try for redemption by attempting to buy back a bike you sold, or you might attempt to buy back your soul after you steal someone else’s bike. Redemption comes from the Latin word redimere, a combination of re(d)-, meaning “back,” and emere, meaning “buy.” Redemption is what some people claim happens to your soul when you're saved from evil forces. You might pray for redemption — to the tooth fairy, to Zeus, or to some other kind of invisible being — in the hopes that an all-powerful being can save your soul. Redemption can also refer to the repayment of a debt.
Vocabulary lists containing redemption
Night
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Grade 9, List 2
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Vocabulary from Beyoncé's "Lemonade"
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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.
His offspring are made of lesser stuff than him, but our hero manages to earn redemption by flinging a stockcar around a tri-oval racetrack 180 times at 200 miles per hour.
From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026
While funds typically cap quarterly buybacks at 5% of shares outstanding, several have seen redemption requests blow past that limit, raising concerns about how long they can avoid a cash squeeze.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026
With a few posts, they alienated the very supporters who championed them as living proof of redemption.
From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026
Then, for some, there are shades of hard-won redemption in selfless acts executed at great cost.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026
The horse meant financial rescue, the ability to meet his responsibilities as father and husband, professional redemption, and the end of a long, public humiliation.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
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.
