Redeem

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -iːm

Origin

Recorded since c.1425, from Middle English redemen, modified from Middle English redemer, redimer, from Latin redimō ("release; obviate; atone for"), itself from re- ("back; again") + emō ("buy; gain, take, procure").

Full definition of redeem

Verb

1. (transitive) To recover ownership of something by buying it back.
2. (transitive) To liberate by payment of a ransom.
3. (transitive) To set free by force.
4. (transitive) To save, rescue
5. (transitive) To clear, release from debt or blame
6. (transitive) To expiate, atone (for ...)
7. (finance, transitive) To convert (some bond or security) into cash
8. (transitive) To save from a state of sin (and from its consequences).
9. (transitive) To repair, restore
10. (transitive) To reform, change (for the better)
11. (transitive) To restore the reputation or honour of oneself or something.
12. (archaic, transitive) To reclaim

Synonyms

• (recover ownership) buy back, repurchase

Antonyms

• abandon

Derived terms

• redeem oneself
• redeemable
• redeemably
• redeemer
• unredeemable
• unredeemably
• unredeemed

Related terms

• redemption
• redemptioner
• redemptor
• Redemptorist
• redemptory