noun
redemption
Recovery of worth or deliverance from wrongdoing.
The character seeks redemption by repairing the harm he caused.
Etymology
Buying back supplied an image of rescue from bondage or loss. Religious and moral uses extend that recovery to deliverance from wrongdoing and restoration of worth.
More examples
- Her service became a path to redemption.
- The story ends with the possibility of redemption.
- He doubted that redemption was possible.
Forms
redemption
redeem verb — recover worth or exchange for value
Similar words
- atonement
- Emphasizes making amends rather than restored worth.
- salvation
- Often religious deliverance rather than social rehabilitation.