restitute

[ res-ti-toot, -tyoot ]

verb (used without object)

, res·ti·tut·ed, res·ti·tut·ing.

1. to make restitution.

verb (used with object)

, res·ti·tut·ed, res·ti·tut·ing.

1. to make restitution for.
2. to restore to a former state or position.

Word History and Origins

Origin of restitute¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin restitūtus, past participle of restituere to set up again, restore, equivalent to re- re- + -stitū-, variant stem of -stituere (combining form of statuere to set upright, derivative of stāre to stand ) + -tus past participle suffix

More About Restitute

What does restitute mean?​

Restitute means to make restitution—payment or some other form of compensation to make up for loss, damage, or injury that has been caused.

The word restitution is much more commonly used than the verb restitute.

Restitution can also refer to the act or process of restituting.

The point of restitution is to return what has been lost or stolen or to repair the damage or injury that has been done so that things can be returned to how they originally were or as close as possible.

The word is especially used in a legal context to refer to compensation that is required by someone who has caused loss, damage, or injury as part of a crime. Restitution often involves monetary payments, but it can involve other forms of compensation.

Example: The defendant was ordered to pay $1 million dollars to restitute for injuries and property damage. 

Where does restitute come from?

The first records of the word restitute in English come from the 1300s. It comes from the Latin verb rēstituere, meaning “to rebuild.”

Some injuries and damage can’t be undone, but the goal of restituting is to try to return things to their original state as much as is possible. When someone is ordered to pay restitution by a court, it often includes payment not only to the victim but also to the state, such as for court costs.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to restitute?

• restitution (noun)
• restitutive (adjective)
• restitutory (adjective)

What are some synonyms for restitute?

• compensate
• repay
• redress
• indemnify

What are some words that share a root or word element with restitute? 

• institute
• destitute
• statute

What are some words that often get used in discussing restitute?

• order
• pay
• payment
• compensation
• amends
• damage
• loss
• injury
• property
• return
• court
• lawsuit

How is restitute used in real life?

Restitute is typically used in legal contexts, but the noun form restitution is far more common.

The past is a mirage. Who wants to change it? But human beings can restitute for their 'yesterdays': it's called restitution

— Law Nigeria (@LawNigeria) September 19, 2016

Demands to restitute cultural property looted during wars and the establishment of European colonial rule in Africa have been in the public sphere since the early period of colonization. Such demands have accelerated recently.@analuciaraujo_ explores: https://t.co/untMx7PqBI

— Public Books (@PublicBooks) February 3, 2021

The German cabinet has approved a law change designed to make it easier for private foundations to restitute Nazi-looted art. If passed by parliament, this small legal detail could have repercussions for some important claims https://t.co/J7f2ttBDRX

— Catherine Hickley (@CathyHickley) February 5, 2021

Try using restitute!

Which of the following words is a synonym of restitute?

A. repay
B. redress
C. compensate
D. all of the above