redress

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

1. 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.

First recorded in 1730–40; re- + dress