redeem

[ri-deem]

verb (used with object)

1. to make up for; make amends for; offset (some fault, shortcoming, etc.).

   His bravery redeemed his youthful idleness.

   Synonyms: compensate, counterbalance

2. to exchange (bonds, trading stamps, coupons, points, etc.) for money or goods.

   I redeemed 25,000 points for a free night’s stay at the hotel.

   This coupon can be redeemed at any grocery store.

3. to buy or pay off; clear by payment.

   to redeem a mortgage.

   Synonyms: square, discharge
   Antonyms: forsake, imprison

4. to buy back, as after a tax sale or a mortgage foreclosure.

   Synonyms: repurchase, regain, reclaim

5. to recover (something pledged or mortgaged) by payment or other satisfaction.

   to redeem a pawned watch.

   Synonyms: repurchase, regain, reclaim

6. to obtain the release or restoration of, such as from captivity, by paying a ransom.

   Synonyms: ransom, rescue, liberate, free

7. Christianity.,  to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.

8. to convert (paper money) into coins.

9. to discharge or fulfill (a pledge, promise, etc.).

redeem

/ rɪˈdiːm /

verb

1. to recover possession or ownership of by payment of a price or service; regain

2. to convert (bonds, shares, etc) into cash

3. to pay off (a promissory note, loan, etc)

4. to recover (something pledged, mortgaged, or pawned)

5. to convert (paper money) into bullion or specie

6. to fulfil (a promise, pledge, etc)

7. to exchange (trading stamps, coupons, etc) for goods

8. to reinstate in someone's estimation or good opinion; restore to favour

   he redeemed himself by his altruistic action

9. to make amends for

10. to recover from captivity, esp by a money payment

11. Christianity (of Christ as Saviour) to free (mankind) from sin by his death on the Cross

Other Word Forms

• preredeem verb (used with object)
• redeemer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of redeem¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English redemen, from Middle French redimer, from Latin redimere, equivalent to red- red- + -imere, combining form of emere “to purchase” ( emptor, ransom )

Word History and Origins

Origin of redeem¹

C15: from Old French redimer , from Latin redimere to buy back, from red- _re- + emere to buy

Synonym Study

Redeem, ransom both mean to buy back. Redeem is wider in its application than ransom, and means to buy back, regain possession of, or exchange for money, goods, etc.: to redeem one's property. To ransom is to redeem a person from captivity by paying a stipulated price, or to redeem from sin by sacrifice: to ransom a kidnapped child.

Example Sentences

“Shadow Ticket’s” structure turns the current film adaptation of “Vineland” inside out — that would be “One Battle After Another,” whose thrilling middle more than redeems an only slightly off-key beginning and end.

From Los Angeles Times

A man who calls out through his deeds: “Come to me, I shall redeem you!”

From Salon

It’s perhaps because of this he’s one of the more controversial characters after he’s treated with tolerance, as if he had somehow redeemed himself, when he decides to return to the real world.

From Salon

Making a concerted effort to join team bonding events has seemingly helped get him back on side, with US captain Keegan Bradley also pointing to DeChambeau's "X-Factor ability" and "fiery" energy as further redeeming qualities.

From BBC

Investments redeemed are taxed on capital gains, even when they are lost to fraudsters.

From BBC

Related Words

• pay off 
• reclaim 
• recoup 
• regain 
• repay 
• restore 
• win back www.thesaurus.com