restitution

[ res-ti-too-shuhn, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. reparation made by giving an equivalent or compensation for loss, damage, or injury caused; indemnification.

   Synonyms: repayment, satisfaction, requital, compensation, amends, recompense

2. the restoration of property or rights previously taken away, conveyed, or surrendered.
3. restoration to the former or original state or position.
4. Physics. the return to an original physical condition, especially after elastic deformation.

restitution

/ ˌrɛstɪˈtjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of giving back something that has been lost or stolen
2. law the act of compensating for loss or injury by reverting as far as possible to the position before such injury occurred
3. the return of an object or system to its original state, esp a restoration of shape after elastic deformation

Derived Forms

• ˈrestiˌtutive, adjective

Other Words From

• resti·tutive res·ti·tu·to·ry [res-ti-, too, -t, uh, -ree, -, tyoo, -], adjective
• nonres·ti·tution noun
• un·resti·tutive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of restitution¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English restitucioun, from Old French restitution, restitucion, from Latin restitūtiōn- (stem of restitūtiō ) “a rebuilding, restoration,” equivalent to restitūt(us) + -iōn-. See restitute, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of restitution¹

C13: from Latin rēstitūtiō , from rēstituere to rebuild, from re- + statuere to set up

Synonym Study

See redress.

Example Sentences

Serna was sentenced to 121 months in prison for his crimes and ordered to pay $4.6 million in restitution.

From The Daily Beast

In 1970, and again in 1980, restitution was back on the agenda, and my mother and my aunt reclaimed paintings by Monet and Léger.

From The Daily Beast

If they are definitively convicted, they also will share in the responsibility of restitution, whether the house is sold or not.

From The Daily Beast

Sentenced to 180 days in jail; served 30 days with three years probation and $600,000 restitution to Bloom.

From The Daily Beast

In 2010, he was ordered to pay more than $790,000 in restitution, and sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.

From The Daily Beast

Consequently, though the donor's intention may be subsequently altered, no obligation to make restitution will arise.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon the 1st of April the restitution of the colony to the Spaniards was solemnized.

From Project Gutenberg

Even as she had hastened to be revenged on Howard Templeton for her wrongs, she now made haste to offer restitution.

From Project Gutenberg

And when that act of restitution was accomplished, Xenie fell into strange and dangerous apathy.

From Project Gutenberg

Prince Henry's favour had brought liberty and restitution very close.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• indemnity
• payment
• rebate
• redress
• refund
• reimbursement
• reparation
• restoration