noun

reparation

rep-uh-RAY-shun/ˌrepəˈreɪʃn/

The making good of harm or damage.

The replacement flowerpot offers reparation for the broken one beside it.

Adult compensates neighbor for accidentally broken flowerpot by handing over a new matching intact pot, broken one nearby, sincere apologetic exchange.

Etymology

reLatinagain

+parLatinmake ready

+ationLatinact or process

Making something ready again gives the idea of restoring it to good condition. Reparation applies that repair to a wrong: payment or action makes amends for the harm.

In context

University of California Television (UCTV)20:56

reparation must as far as possible wipe out all the consequences and I underline my emphasis wipe out all the consequences of the illegal act and reestablish the situation which would in all probability have existed

Legacy of Slavery: Reparations

More examples

She pays for the broken window as reparation for the damage.
The treaty requires reparations for homes destroyed during the war.
A public apology is only the first step toward reparation.

Forms

reparation · reparations

reparative adjective — Intended to repair damage or harm.

Similar words

compensation: Emphasizes payment for a loss rather than making amends.
restitution: Often means returning something taken or restoring its value.
redress: Emphasizes correcting a wrong, often through official action.