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

“I write to atone by telling the full truth so that the United States can protect itself from the dangers I witnessed for so many years,” Carvajal wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal

German politicians have been largely supportive of Israel as Germany seeks to atone for the legacy of the Holocaust.

From Barron's

If the Seahawks were to win the NFC — and oddsmakers have them as 2½-point favorites — they would look to repeat against Denver or atone for that painful loss to New England.

From Los Angeles Times

Clinton Kelly and Stacy London return as its hosts, older, wiser and atoning for the tough love and scathing real talk they once doled out to style-challenged guests.

From Salon

It was a moment that should be memorialized on Nacua’s robust career highlight reel, and helped him atone for a rare dropped would-be touchdown at the end of the first half.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apologize
• redeem