atone
- to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender (usually followed by for): to atone for one's sins.
- to make up, as for errors or deficiencies (usually followed by for): to atone for one's failings.
- Obsolete. to become reconciled; agree.
- to make amends for; expiate: He atoned his sins.
- Obsolete. to bring into unity, harmony, concord, etc.
Origin of atone
Related Words for atone
redeem, apologize, outweigh, repair, square, appease, reconcile, pay, absolve, propitiate, redress, expiate, counterbalance, offset, answer, balance, correct, recompenseExamples from the Web for atone
Contemporary Examples of atone
You must atone, apologize, and beg forgiveness for the thousands of LGBT lives you have taken.
Heracles goes on his twelve labours, not to better mankind, but to achieve immortality and atone for his own sins.
The Walking Dead’s Luke Skywalker: Rick Grimes Is the Perfect Modern-Day Mythical HeroRegina Lizik
October 28, 2014
We all have a collective responsibility to atone for the actions of the U.S. and Israel in the coming weeks.
Jews and Non-Jews Need to Repent for the Sins of the U.S. and IsraelRabbi Michael Lerner
September 24, 2014
These “outsiders” are being invited to atone for their sins by leaving the new state.
I wondered how many centuries of purgatory it would take to atone for such a sin.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the ShowRobert W. Chambers
February 20, 2014
Historical Examples of atone
It is a delight to atone for a fault by obeying your commands.
In the Midst of AlarmsRobert Barr
Torquemada could not have done better; but Khalid, it is hoped, will yet atone for his crimes.
The Book of KhalidAmeen Rihani
If he had erred, let him at least atone for his error with his blood!
The DownfallEmile Zola
It was a penance she had imposed upon herself to atone for her guilt.
Tales From Two HemispheresHjalmar Hjorth Boysen
ANN remains, as if carved in atone, her eyes fastened on the strangers.
The Pigeon (Third Series Plays)John Galsworthy
atone
- (intr foll by for) to make amends or reparation (for a crime, sin, etc)
- (tr) to expiateto atone a guilt with repentance
- obsolete to be in or bring into agreement