atonement

atone·ment

noun \ə-ˈtōn-mənt\

Definition of ATONEMENT

1

obsolete : reconciliation

2

: the reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ

3

: reparation for an offense or injury : satisfaction

4

Christian Science : the exemplifying of human oneness with God

First Known Use of ATONEMENT

1513

Rhymes with ATONEMENT

cantonment, dethronement, disownment, enthronement, postponement

atonement

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Religious concept in which obstacles to reconciliation with God are removed, usually through sacrifice. Most religions have rituals of purification and expiation by which the relation of the individual to the divine is strengthened. In Christianity, atonement is achieved through the death and resurrection of Jesus. In Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and some Protestant churches, penance is a sacrament that allows for personal atonement (see confession). In Judaism the annual Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, is the culmination of 10 days centered on repentance.