redress

[ree-dres, ri-dres, ri-dres]

noun

1. the setting right of what is wrong.

   redress of abuses.

   Synonyms: atonement, remedy, restoration

2. relief from wrong or injury.

3. compensation or satisfaction for a wrong or injury.

verb (used with object)

1. to set right; remedy or repair (wrongs, injuries, etc.).

2. to correct or reform (abuses, evils, etc.).

   Synonyms: adjust, rectify, right, emend, mend, amend

3. to remedy or relieve (suffering, want, etc.).

   Synonyms: ease

4. to adjust evenly again, as a balance.

redress

/ rɪˈdrɛs /

verb

1. to put right (a wrong), esp by compensation; make reparation for

   to redress a grievance

2. to correct or adjust (esp in the phrase redress the balance )

3. to make compensation to (a person) for a wrong

noun

1. the act or an instance of setting right a wrong; remedy or cure

   to seek redress of grievances

2. compensation, amends, or reparation for a wrong, injury, etc

3. relief from poverty or want

Other Word Forms

• redressable adjective
• redressible adjective
• redresser noun
• redressor noun
• unredressable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of redress¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; (verb) Middle English redressen, from Middle French redresser, Old French redrecier, equivalent to re- re- + drecier “to straighten” ( dress ); (noun) Middle English, from Anglo-French redresse, redresce, derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of redress¹

C14: from Old French redrecier to set up again, from _re- + drecier to straighten; see _dress

Synonym Study

Redress, reparation, restitution suggest making amends or giving indemnification for a wrong. Redress may refer either to the act of setting right an unjust situation (as by some power), or to satisfaction sought or gained for a wrong suffered: the redress of grievances. Reparation means compensation or satisfaction for a wrong or loss inflicted. The word may have the moral idea of amends: to make reparation for one's neglect; but more frequently it refers to financial compensation (which is asked for, rather than given): the reparations demanded of the aggressor nations. Restitution means literally the restoration of what has been taken from the lawful owner: He demanded restitution of his land; it may also refer to restoring the equivalent of what has been taken: They made him restitution for his land.

Example Sentences

These and other actions will hamper the ability of workers to fight unfair labor practices and obtain redress.

From Los Angeles Times

The Department for Business and Trade recently took over responsibility for delivering redress for sub-postmasters whose convictions were overturned by the courts, including Ms Skinner's case.

From BBC

Thus, when the rights of persons are violated, ‘the Constitution requires redress by the courts,’ notwithstanding the more general value of democratic decision making.

From Salon

A spokesperson said confidentiality considerations meant it was not appropriate to disclose their identities, adding many of the accusations during the redress scheme were made in strict confidence.

From BBC

However, in comparison to the PPI compensation scheme, fewer people will be eligible under the motor finance mis-selling redress, but it is still likely to cover millions of drivers.

From BBC

Related Words

• amend 
• correct 
• counteract 
• even out 
• mend 
• neutralize 
• regulate 
• remedy 
• restore 
• vindicate