atone

American  

[uh-tohn] / əˈtoʊn /

verb (used without object)

atoned, atoning

1. to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender (usually followed byfor ).

   to atone for one's sins.

2. to make up, as for errors or deficiencies (usually followed byfor ).

   to atone for one's failings.

3. Obsolete. to become reconciled; agree.

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verb (used with object)

atoned, atoning

1. to make amends for; expiate.

   He atoned his sins.

2. Obsolete. to bring into unity, harmony, concord, etc.

atone British  

/ əˈtəʊn /

verb

1. to make amends or reparation (for a crime, sin, etc)

2. (tr) to expiate

   to atone a guilt with repentance

3. obsolete to be in or bring into agreement

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Other Word Forms

• atonable adjective
• atoneable adjective
• atoner noun
• atoningly adverb
• unatoned adjective
• unatoning adjective

Etymology

Origin of atone

First recorded in 1545–55; back formation from atonement

Example Sentences

Early Christians were acutely aware that they were sinners, that they would be judged in death for what they had done in life, that they needed to atone and seek God’s forgiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal

Faas—who had sent Mr. Út’s photographer brother on an assignment during which he was killed—may have been atoning.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Australian confidence was further punctured by a fired-up Ireland, who immediately set about atoning for their sluggish start in last week's uninspiring win over Japan with renewed intent and aggression.

From BBC

Universities including Columbia, Brown and Cornell agreed to pay the government hundreds of millions to atone for alleged violations similar to the ones facing UCLA.

From Los Angeles Times

And even though she does atone in critical ways, she’s still up to her old tricks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apologize
• redeem