redeem

verb re·deem \ ri-ˈdēm \

Definition of redeem

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 :repair, restore

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

play \-ˈdē-mə-bəl\ adjective

See redeem defined for English-language learners

See redeem defined for kids

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 of redeem from the Web

The Illinois Lottery urges the winner to sign the back of the ticket and keep it in a safe place until the prize is redeemed.

— grace wong, Daily Southtown, "Joliet liquor store sells $2 million Powerball ticket," 24 Aug. 2017
Jaime further redeemed himself by rescuing Brienne from certain death in the bear pit at Harrenhal.

— stephanie merry, chicagotribune.com, "'Game of Thrones' used to be all about the journey. Now it's about the destination.," 18 Aug. 2017
About the only thing holding it together is Idris Elba, whose irrepressible magnetism and man-of-stone solidity anchors this mess but can’t redeem it.

— manohla dargis, New York Times, "Review: The Good, the Bad and the Stupid in ‘The Dark Tower’," 3 Aug. 2017
Points can add up and be redeemed for free food or gifts.

— diane stafford, kansascity, "Does it make a difference when a co-worker says thanks?," 3 Aug. 2017
The Bulldogs will naturally want to redeem themselves.

— james crepea, AL.com, "Auburn opponent early scouting report: Mississippi State," 21 July 2017
Korben’s evolution is crucial to winning her over, to proving that there’s still a chance to redeem mankind.

— david sims, The Atlantic, "How The Fifth Element Subverted Sci-Fi Movies," 19 July 2017
Bar Amá Historic Core, $$ Josef Centeno brings the flavors of his Texas heritage to 4th and Main and, in doing so, redeems an entire cuisine.

— garrett snyder, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Los Angeles Magazine Hot Restaurant List for July 2017," 18 July 2017
As one Tumblr user puts it: Austen is a relentless observer of her world and its ironies, of her characters’ absurdities and their redeeming graces.

— rosa inocencio smith, The Atlantic, "Send Us Your Best Jane Austen Memes," 14 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'redeem.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of redeem

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

redeem Synonyms

Synonyms

answer, complete, comply (with), fill, keep, meet, fulfill, satisfy

Antonyms

breach, break, transgress, violate

Related Words

conclude, consummate, finalize, finish, perfect; accomplish, achieve, bring about, bring off, carry out, effect; commit, compass, discharge, execute, follow through (with), make, perform

Near Antonyms

default (on); disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight

Synonym Discussion of 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

REDEEM Defined for English Language Learners

redeem

verb

Definition of redeem for English Language Learners

: to make (something that is bad, unpleasant, etc.) better or more acceptable
: to exchange (something, such as a coupon or lottery ticket) for money, an award, etc.
: to buy back (something, such as a stock or bond)

REDEEM Defined for Kids

redeem

verb re·deem \ ri-ˈdēm \

Definition of redeem for Students

1 :to make up for

The exciting ending redeemed the otherwise dull movie.

2 :to buy, get, or win back

He redeemed his honor.

3 :to make good :fulfill

You must redeem your promise.

4 :to exchange for something of value

I redeemed my tickets for a prize.

5 :to free from sin

—

redeemer

noun

Law Dictionary

redeem

transitive verb re·deem \ ri-ˈdēm \

legal Definition of redeem

1 a :repurchase

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 foreclosure
—Bowery 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)