redeem

verb

re·deem | \ ri-ˈdēm

redeemed; redeeming; redeems

Definition of redeem

transitive verb

1a : 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

5a : 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

6a : to atone for : expiate redeem an error

b(1) : to offset the bad effect of

(2) : to make worthwhile : retrieve

Other Words from redeem Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about redeem

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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

Guests must mention offer at counter in order to redeem. — Amy Drew Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "Thank God, it’s Fry Day: Celebrate the noble french fry this weekend," 12 July 2019 In our current constitutional emergency, a few unlikely figures, above all the former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, have upheld the rule of law, possibly redeeming their places in history. — Sean Wilentz, The New Yorker, "Nancy Pelosi, Impeachment, and Places in History," 11 July 2019 Find them and redeem your prize at the Fishers Parks & Recreation tent. — Natalia E. Contreras, Indianapolis Star, "Fishers Mud Day is good, clean fun for the whole family," 9 July 2019 Let this fourth of July Move forth our cry to redeem the dream. — CBS News, "National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman performs her Independence Day poem," 3 July 2019 In 1971, to stave off a run on US gold reserves, Nixon halted convertibility (meaning that other countries could no longer redeem dollars for gold). — Gwynn Guilford, Quartz, "The quiet campaign to reinstate the gold standard is getting louder," 3 July 2019 Police said the gift cards totaled $19,000 and the resident provided the scammer with the information on the back of the cards to redeem their full value. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Police: Resident spent $19K on 84 gift cards in online relationship scam," 1 July 2019 With only three episodes left to redeem Monterey's most meme-able matriarch, here's hoping the writers sharpen their pencils. — Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, "Meryl Streep is the worst thing about 'Big Little Lies' Season 2. What happened?," 1 July 2019 The airline gets paid before customers book flights, and a portion of the miles is never redeemed. — David Benoit, WSJ, "Sapphire Reserve Strains JPMorgan’s Ties With United Airlines," 27 June 2019

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.

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Last Updated

19 Jul 2019

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

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More Definitions for redeem

redeem

verb

English Language Learners Definition of redeem

: 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)

See the full definition for redeem in the English Language Learners Dictionary

redeem

verb

re·deem | \ ri-ˈdēm

Kids Definition of redeem

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

redeem

transitive verb

re·deem | \ ri-ˈdēm

Legal Definition of redeem

1a : repurchase

b : to repurchase by right and not on the open market redeem preferred shares

2a : 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) redeem a bond

3a : 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 off — Hausman v. Dayton, 653 N.E.2d 1190 (1995)