redemption

American  

[ri-demp-shuhn] / rɪˈdɛmp ʃən /

noun

1. an act of atoning for guilt, a fault, or a mistake, or the state of having atoned.

2. an act or the state of being rescued.

3. Christianity. deliverance from sin; salvation.

4. repurchase of something sold, such as to a pawn shop.

5. paying off, as of a mortgage, bond, or note.

6. recovery by payment, as of something pledged.

7. conversion of paper money into coins.

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redemption British  

/ rɪˈdɛmpʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of redeeming

2. the state of being redeemed

3. Christianity

   1. deliverance from sin through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ

   2. atonement for guilt

4. conversion of paper money into bullion or specie

5. 1. removal of a financial obligation by paying off a note, bond, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      redemption date

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Other Word Forms

• nonredemption
  noun
• postredemption
  noun
• preredemption
  noun
• redemptional
  adjective
• redemptionless
  adjective
• redemptively
  adverb

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.

Example Sentences

Redemption requests at managers like Blue Owl and Cliffwater are triggering a domino effect among funds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Redemption requests are likely to stay high for at least several quarters.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

Redemption requests from investors who might be worried about the threat to software companies from AI have overwhelmed the capacity of the credit funds to raise liquidity at short notice in illiquid markets.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026

Red Dead Redemption puts you in the saddle for a Wild West cowboy fantasy, while Crusader Kings simulates all the drama of European royalty.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Redemption looked down and took it from her, unfolding it so the pages fell open.

From "Pet" by Akwaeke Emezi

Related Words

• amends
• atonement
• compensation
• expiation
• penance
• recompense
• redress
• reparation
• repentance
• restitution
• shrift