atone

[uh-tohn]

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.

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of atone¹

First recorded in 1545–55; back formation from atonement

Word History and Origins

Origin of atone¹

C16: back formation from _atonement

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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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.

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

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They got better on both sides of the ball but couldn’t fully atone for their ineffectiveness in the first half.

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Related Words

• apologize 
• redeem