redeem

verb

re·​deem ri-ˈdēm How to pronounce redeem (audio)
redeemed; redeeming; redeems

transitive verb

1
a
: to buy back : repurchase
b
: to get or win back
2
: to free from what distresses or harms: such as
a
: to free from captivity by payment of ransom
b
: to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental
c
: to release from blame or debt : clear
d
: to free from the consequences of sin
3
: to change for the better : reform
4
5
a
: to free from a lien by payment of an amount secured thereby
b(1)
: to remove the obligation of by payment
the U.S. Treasury redeems savings bonds on demand
(2)
: to exchange for something of value
redeem trading stamps
c
: to make good : fulfill
6
a
: to atone for : expiate
redeem an error
b(1)
: to offset the bad effect of
(2)
: to make worthwhile : retrieve
redeemable adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for redeem

rescue, deliver, redeem, ransom, reclaim, save mean to set free from confinement or danger.

rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary.

job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment

ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

save may replace any of the foregoing terms; it may further imply a preserving or maintaining for usefulness or continued existence.

an operation that saved my life

Examples of redeem in a Sentence

Nearly 115 million Americans clip coupons and redeem them at some point during the year. David J. Morrow, New York Times, 17 Mar. 1996
… nor does the book try to justify whatever is reckless about it by claiming some redeeming social or political value. Philip Roth, Reading Myself and Others, 1975
She had once told Rowland that she would show him, some day, how gracious her manners could be; she was now redeeming her promise. Henry James, Roderick Hudson, 1875
We had, however, redeemed … the character of our country, by showing that there was at any rate a body of persons determined to use all the means which the law afforded to obtain justice for the injured. John Stuart Mill, Autobiography, 1874
Their temporal dominion is now confirmed by the reverence of a thousand years; and their noblest title is the free choice of a people, whom they had redeemed from slavery. Edward Gibbon, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1788
The exciting ending partially redeems what is otherwise a very dull movie. He wants to redeem his reputation. You can redeem this coupon at any store. You have 90 days to redeem your winning lottery ticket. This voucher can be redeemed for a free meal at several local restaurants. The government will pay you interest when it redeems the bonds you bought. The company redeemed some of its stock.
Recent Examples on the Web While rewards points aren't needed to enter the contest, Marriott Bonvoy members who do not want to take the risk of losing out can also use 500,000 Marriott Bonvoy Moments points to redeem Swift tickets, starting March 13. Daniel S. Levine, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 In an extension of Sephora’s ever popular loyalty program, users will be able to create their own avatars, explore, play and redeem rewards and collectibles. Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 To redeem, just complete your booking on the offer page and watch the total price get slashed. Kyler Alvord, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2024 That time has actually healed, and the Lord has redeemed. Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Feb. 2024 Shakespeare’s final play is a testament to the redeeming power of love and forgiveness, featuring fools, spirits, monsters, shipwrecks, and magical spells. Kirby Adams louisville Courier Journal, The Courier-Journal, 11 Feb. 2024 The sale also applies to reward travel, meaning this is a great time to redeem those Southwest Rapid Rewards points for cheap tickets. Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 The original Funimation offer allowed customers who purchased Funimation disks to redeem a code for a digital copy accessible via a digital rights locker similar to Movies Anywhere. Ash Parrish, The Verge, 26 Feb. 2024 How to get free Buffalo Wild Wings Customers can drop by their local Buffalo Wild Wings store on Monday to redeem this offer. Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'redeem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English redemen, from Anglo-French redemer, modification of Latin redimere, from re-, red- re- + emere to take, buy; akin to Lithuanian imti to take

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of redeem was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near redeem

Cite this Entry

“Redeem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redeem. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

redeem

verb
re·​deem ri-ˈdēm How to pronounce redeem (audio)
1
: to buy or win back
2
a
: to free from captivity especially by paying a ransom
b
: to free from the penalties of sin
3
: to change for the better : reform
4
: to remove the obligation of by payment
the government redeems savings bonds
5
: to make good : fulfill
redeem a promise
redeemable adjective
redeemer
-ˈdē-mər
noun

Legal Definition

redeem

transitive verb
re·​deem ri-ˈdēm How to pronounce redeem (audio)
1
b
: to repurchase by right and not on the open market
redeem preferred shares
2
a
: to free from a lien or pledge usually by payment of the amount secured thereby
redeem collateral
b
: to exercise an equity of redemption in (real property) by payment in full of a mortgage debt after default but prior to a foreclosure becoming effective
a right to redeem property prior to the actual sale under a judgment of foreclosureBowery Sav. Bank v. Harbert Offset Corp., 558 N.Y.S.2d 821 (1990)
see also equity of redemption
c
: to exercise a right of redemption in (real property) within the period set by law by a repurchase that voids the effect of foreclosure or sale see also right of redemption

Note: A mortgagor with a right of redemption might redeem property within the set period following a foreclosure sale by paying the new purchaser the purchase price, interest, taxes, and lawful charges.

d
: to remove the obligation of by payment (as at maturity)
redeem a bond
3
a
: to present and have redeemed
b
: to exchange for something of value

intransitive verb

: to redeem something (as real property)
failed to exercise its equity of redemption, and this part of the right to redeem was therefore cut offHausman v. Dayton, 653 N.E.2d 1190 (1995)

More from Merriam-Webster on redeem

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