atone
verb (used without object)
to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender (usually followed byfor ).
had atoned
-
past perfectof atone.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Tokyo, however, argued that it had atoned for its historical sins in several treaties.
From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2023
During sentencing, Judge Alistair McCreath said he could find "no real evidence that" Gadd had atoned for his crimes.
From BBC ● Feb. 3, 2023
The Danish forward thought he had atoned with a goal 20 minutes later, but that was disallowed for offside.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 29, 2020
It now seems clear that Francis, at least at the start of his pontificate, was willing to overlook past sexual misbehavior or cover-up claims if those responsible had atoned.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 27, 2018
But he was dead, and his death had atoned for the crime.
From Old Indian Days by Charles Alexander Eastman
