redress

[ noun ree-dres, ri-dres; verb 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

Derived Forms

• reˈdressable, adjective
• reˈdresser, noun

Other Words From

• re·dressa·ble re·dressi·ble adjective
• re·dresser re·dressor noun
• unre·dressa·ble 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

Biden's move to allow Ukraine to strike Russia with US-made long-range missiles was welcomed as a step that could redress the balance between both countries' forces.

From BBC

In his message to staff, he said the university’s “outgoings were consistently higher than its income,” adding it would need to take a “series of actions” in order to redress the balance.

From BBC

The core values of the treaty have, over time, been woven into New Zealand's laws in an effort to redress the wrong done to Māori during colonisation.

From BBC

Sir Alan wrote to the PM twice in the past month, urging him to ensure victims receive full financial redress by March next year.

From BBC

For £7,449, students can take part in his eight-part online university course that teaches people how to clear debts, win legal redress and pay their taxes.

From BBC

Related Words

• amends
• atonement
• indemnity
• rectification
• remedy
• reparation
• reprisal
• restitution
• retribution