Definition of atone
atoned;
atoning
: to make amends : to provide or serve as reparation or compensation for something bad or unwelcome
—usually + for
- He wanted to atone for his sins.
- But I think that he has within him a capacity for love, and an unselfishness, which almost atones for his dishonesty.
- —Anthony Trollope
1
: to make reparation or supply satisfaction for : expiate
—used in the passive voice with for
- a crime that must be atoned for
