redemption
Americannoun
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an act of atoning for guilt, a fault, or a mistake, or the state of having atoned.
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an act or the state of being rescued.
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Christianity. deliverance from sin; salvation.
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repurchase of something sold, such as to a pawn shop.
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paying off, as of a mortgage, bond, or note.
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recovery by payment, as of something pledged.
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conversion of paper money into coins.
noun
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the act or process of redeeming
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the state of being redeemed
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Christianity
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deliverance from sin through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ
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atonement for guilt
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conversion of paper money into bullion or specie
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removal of a financial obligation by paying off a note, bond, etc
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( as modifier )
redemption date
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Other Word Forms
Etymology
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
Explanation
Redemption is the buying back of something. You might try for redemption by attempting to buy back a bike you sold, or you might attempt to buy back your soul after you steal someone else’s bike. Redemption comes from the Latin word redimere, a combination of re(d)-, meaning “back,” and emere, meaning “buy.” Redemption is what some people claim happens to your soul when you're saved from evil forces. You might pray for redemption — to the tooth fairy, to Zeus, or to some other kind of invisible being — in the hopes that an all-powerful being can save your soul. Redemption can also refer to the repayment of a debt.
Vocabulary lists containing redemption
Night
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Grade 9, List 2
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Vocabulary from Beyoncé's "Lemonade"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The symbol they used to try to end me is now a symbol of resilience, redemption, and recovery,” Biden said in the post.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 9, 2026
"The 1851 memoir, by contrast, was a spiritual redemption story, with Byfield tracing his progress from rebellious sinner to devout and repentant Christian."
From Science Daily ● Sep. 7, 2026
Inside, under flickering lights, a group of reluctant strangers is coaxed into acting out, in a converted gymnasium, a wild tale promising redemption from agonizing tragedy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 5, 2026
Blackstone and Cliffwater have seen redemption requests of about 10% and 16%, respectively, at their private credit funds.
From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026
“Maybe Garvey and I want redemption for our own mistakes in life. We were never able to help those we hurt.”
From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
