redemption

[ ri-demp-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act of atoning for guilt, a fault, or a mistake, or the state of having atoned.
2. an act or the state of being rescued.
3. Christianity. deliverance from sin; salvation.
4. repurchase of something sold, such as to a pawn shop.
5. paying off, as of a mortgage, bond, or note.
6. recovery by payment, as of something pledged.
7. conversion of paper money into coins.

redemption

/ rɪˈdɛmpʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of redeeming
2. the state of being redeemed
3. Christianity
   1. deliverance from sin through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ
   2. atonement for guilt
4. conversion of paper money into bullion or specie
5. 1. removal of a financial obligation by paying off a note, bond, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      redemption date

Derived Forms

• reˈdemptional, adjective
• reˈdemptively, adverb

Other Words From

• re·demp·tion·al adjective
• re·demp·tion·less adjective
• non·re·demp·tion noun
• post·re·demp·tion noun
• pre·re·demp·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of redemption¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English redempcioun, from Middle French redemption, from Late Latin redēmptiōn-, stem of redēmptiō “deliverance, buyback,” from Latin redēmpt(us) “bought back” (past participle of redimere “to buy back, repurchase”; redeem ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of redemption¹

C14: via Old French from Latin redemptiō a buying back; see redeem

Example Sentences

Like him, Buckley said, extremists are worthy of redemption and capable of change.

From Washington Post

Some victims scramble together the money, Smith said, by buying gift cards and sending their tormentors the redemption codes that can be turned into cash.

From Washington Post

In Jones’s telling, sin and redemption are both personal and communal.

From Washington Post

You apologize, keep your head low, maybe resign to spend more time with your family and come back with a book deal, cable news contract or pet cause that offers redemption or credibility.

From Time

Failing to convert the most efficient shot in basketball was Toronto’s failing to start the season, and it has become their redemption since.

From FiveThirtyEight

Even if Loertscher eventually achieves legal redemption, she says the damage has already been done.

From The Daily Beast

It was about the hope and longing for redemption and reconciliation that lies somewhere within each of us.

From The Daily Beast

Excerpted from Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S.C. Gwynne.

From The Daily Beast

Throughout her life, she faced public ridicule, legal persecution and, eventually, redemption through a PhD in clinical sexology.

From The Daily Beast

Giving prisoners a chance at redemption is a good idea; but we were too careless, and innocent people suffered because it it.

From The Daily Beast

At the same time no gold is paid out in redemption of notes, nor is it allowed to be exported.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence, at the end of the war, the provision for redemption of Bank of England notes will work automatically.

From Project Gutenberg

Under the figure of the deliverance from the Babylonish captivity, the church is invited to rejoice for her redemption from sin.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be impossible, as well as impious, for men to imitate the making of the Covenant of Redemption, or of that of Works.

From Project Gutenberg

Come to our aid then; the morning of our Redemption from degradation, adorns the horizon.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• amends
• atonement
• compensation
• expiation
• penance
• recompense
• redress
• reparation
• repentance
• restitution
• shrift