redemption

American  

[ri-demp-shuhn] / rɪˈdɛmp ʃən /

noun

1. an act of atoning for guilt, a fault, or a mistake, or the state of having atoned.

2. an act or the state of being rescued.

3. Christianity. deliverance from sin; salvation.

4. repurchase of something sold, such as to a pawn shop.

5. paying off, as of a mortgage, bond, or note.

6. recovery by payment, as of something pledged.

7. conversion of paper money into coins.

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redemption British  

/ rɪˈdɛmpʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of redeeming

2. the state of being redeemed

3. Christianity

   1. deliverance from sin through the incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ

   2. atonement for guilt

4. conversion of paper money into bullion or specie

5. 1. removal of a financial obligation by paying off a note, bond, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      redemption date

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Other Word Forms

• nonredemption noun
• postredemption noun
• preredemption noun
• redemptional adjective
• redemptionless adjective
• redemptively adverb

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.

Example Sentences

Nearly every nontraded BDC saw March-quarter redemption requests swell above the 5% of net assets that managers prepare for.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

With neither party offering an alternative to policies of mass incarceration, recognizing the humanity of those convicted of crimes seems outlandish — and offering them a path to redemption seems downright heretical.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

When an unexpected letter from back home arrives, Stafford gets a shot at redemption.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

"This story is about hope, it's about love, it's about redemption and whether good wins over the more negative elements that are prevalent in society."

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

“Who will take up the call for the dignity and redemption of the boys?”

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Related Words

• amends
• atonement
• compensation
• expiation
• penance
• recompense
• redress
• reparation
• repentance
• restitution
• shrift