restitute

[res-ti-toot, -tyoot]

verb (used without object)

restituted, restituting 

1. to make restitution.

verb (used with object)

restituted, restituting 

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

Example Sentences

Like museums all over the world, the Met has been buffeted in recent years by growing calls to restitute works that law enforcement officials and foreign governments have said it has no right to.

From New York Times

He would like to see "more freedom for museums, but then a kind of backstop, a committee where we would have to appeal if we wanted to restitute items".

From BBC

Following a threat by the regional block Ecowas that it would invade Niger if deposed President Mohamed Bazoum wasn't restituted, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger set up an alliance on 16 September.

From BBC

The decision to restitute them follows several years of contacts between Berlin’s museum authority and Colombia, and an official Colombian request last year for their return.

From Washington Times

Crucially, that approach allows for items to be restituted even if the country of origin does not yet have the facilities to store and exhibit them.

From New York Times

When To Use

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.