redemption

[ ri-demp-shuhn ]

See synonyms for redemption on Thesaurus.com

noun

an act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake, or the state of being redeemed.
deliverance; rescue.

Theology. deliverance from sin; salvation.
atonement for guilt.
repurchase, as of something sold.
paying off, as of a mortgage, bond, or note.
recovery by payment, as of something pledged.
conversion of paper money into specie.

Origin of redemption

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”; see redeem) + -iō -ion

Other words from redemption

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

Words Nearby redemption

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use redemption in a sentence

Like him, Buckley said, extremists are worthy of redemption and capable of change.
After Capitol riots, desperate families turn to groups that ‘deprogram’ extremists | Paulina Villegas, Hannah Knowles | February 5, 2021 | 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.
With children stuck at home during coronavirus shutdowns, online sexual predators can swoop in | Dan Morse | February 5, 2021 | Washington Post
In Jones’s telling, sin and redemption are both personal and communal.
‘How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House,’ by Cherie Jones, is a stunning debut | Hamilton Cain | February 2, 2021 | 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.
Why Republicans Can’t Win on QAnon-Supporting Marjorie Taylor Greene | Philip Elliott | January 28, 2021 | 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.
The Toronto Raptors Can’t Seem To Finish Their Drives | Louis Zatzman | January 27, 2021 | FiveThirtyEight

Even if Loertscher eventually achieves legal redemption, she says the damage has already been done.
States Slap Pregnant Women With Harsher Jail Sentences | Emily Shire | December 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
It was about the hope and longing for redemption and reconciliation that lies somewhere within each of us.
During Advent, Lots of Waiting, But Not Enough Hope | Gene Robinson | December 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Excerpted from Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S.C. Gwynne.
Stonewall Jackson, VMI’s Most Embattled Professor | S. C. Gwynne | November 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Throughout her life, she faced public ridicule, legal persecution and, eventually, redemption through a PhD in clinical sexology.
Whip It: Secrets of a Dominatrix | Justin Jones | November 25, 2014 | 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.
Want President Hillary? Then Primary Her | Jeff Greenfield | November 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
At the same time no gold is paid out in redemption of notes, nor is it allowed to be exported.
Readings in Money and Banking | Chester Arthur Phillips
Hence, at the end of the war, the provision for redemption of Bank of England notes will work automatically.
Readings in Money and Banking | Chester Arthur Phillips
Under the figure of the deliverance from the Babylonish captivity, the church is invited to rejoice for her redemption from sin.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | Various
It would be impossible, as well as impious, for men to imitate the making of the Covenant of redemption, or of that of Works.
The Ordinance of Covenanting | John Cunningham
Come to our aid then; the morning of our redemption from degradation, adorns the horizon.
The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States | Martin R. Delany

British Dictionary definitions for redemption

redemption

/ (rɪˈdɛmpʃən) /

noun

the act or process of redeeming
the state of being redeemed

Christianity
- deliverance from sin through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ
- atonement for guilt
conversion of paper money into bullion or specie
- removal of a financial obligation by paying off a note, bond, etc
- (as modifier): redemption date

Origin of redemption

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

Derived forms of redemption

redemptional, redemptive or redemptory, adjective
redemptively, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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