restitution

noun res·ti·tu·tion \ ˌres-tə-ˈtü-shən , -ˈtyü- \

Definition of restitution

1 :an act of restoring or a condition of being restored: such as

a :a restoration of something to its rightful owner

b :a making good of or giving an equivalent for some injury

2 :a legal action serving to cause restoration of a previous state

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See restitution defined for kids

Examples of restitution in a Sentence

the restitution of her stolen property
He was ordered to make restitution to the victim.

Recent Examples of restitution from the Web

The Canadian government has set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission over the past decade to document the schools' unfortunate legacy and has paid out billions of dollars in restitution to survivors.

— alan freeman, Washington Post, "As America debates Confederate monuments, Canada faces its own historical controversy," 28 Aug. 2017
Amuegbunam has also been ordered to pay $615,555 in restitution.

— mitch mitchell, star-telegram, "Nigerian sentenced to nearly 4 years after defrauding Texas firms out of millions," 23 Aug. 2017
In sentencing Williams, U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea ordered Williams pay the victim $1,980 in restitution, officials said.

— nicholas rondinone, courant.com, "Bridgeport Man Gets 74 Months For Sex Trafficking Of A Minor," 22 Aug. 2017
Jeremy James Farmer also was ordered to pay $81,000 in restitution.

— tony rizzo, kansascity, "Former Lawrence mayor sent to prison for stealing from food bank," 15 Aug. 2017
Jamal Hussein, 46, of Plainfield, who failed to file a state sales tax return for Burning Leaf Cigars from January 2011 to September 2015, was sentenced to 2½ years in prison and ordered to pay $465,000 in restitution by a Will County judge.

— robert channick, chicagotribune.com, "Plainfield cigar store owner sentenced for sales tax fraud," 7 Aug. 2017
In addition to his sentence, Proctor ordered Hardy pay $175, 537.74 back in restitution.

— ivana hrynkiw, AL.com, "Man sentenced to prison for stealing equipment from Anniston Army Depot," 2 Aug. 2017
The disgraced Floyd County attorney was sentenced in absentia Friday to 12 years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $170 million in restitution.

— andrew wolfson, The Courier-Journal, "Fugitive lawyer Eric Conn, spotted in New Mexico, sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison," 14 July 2017
His plea deal required him to perform 100 hours of community service as a doctor, as well as pay fines and restitution and agree never to seek public office again.

— leada gore, AL.com, "Ex-Gov. Robert Bentley offering free skin cancer checks Saturday," 14 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of restitution

Middle English restitucioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin restitution-, restitutio, from restituere to restore, from re- + statuere to set up — more at statute

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First Known Use: 14th century

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restitution Synonyms

Synonyms

damages, indemnification, indemnity, quittance, recompense, recoupment, redress, remuneration, reparation, reprisal (s), requital, compensation, satisfaction

Related Words

punitive damage, solatium; amends, atonement, expiation; refund, reimbursement, repayment; adjustment, settlement; punishment, retaliation

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

RESTITUTION Defined for English Language Learners

restitution

noun

Definition of restitution for English Language Learners

: the act of returning something that was lost or stolen to its owner
: payment that is made to someone for damage, trouble, etc.

Law Dictionary

restitution

noun res·ti·tu·tion \ ˌres-tə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü- \

legal Definition of restitution

1 a :a restoration of something to its rightful owner

b :a making good of or giving an equivalent for some injury

2 a :the equitable remedy of restoring to an aggrieved party that which was obtained in unjust enrichment

b :a remedy for breach of contract that consists of restoring the aggrieved party to the status quo that existed before the contract was made

3 :an amount to be paid for the purpose of restitution

ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his crime

— compare fine

—

restitutional

\ˌres-tə-ˈtü-shə-nəl, -ˈtyü-\ adjective

—

restitutionary

\ˌres-tə-ˈtü-shə-ˌner-ē, -ˈtyü-\ adjective

—

restitutive

\ˈres-tə-ˌtü-tiv, -ˌtyü-\ adjective

—

restitutory

\ˌres-tə-ˈtü-tə-rē, -ˈtyü-; rə-ˈsti-tyə-ˌtōr-ē\ adjective

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See words that rhyme with restitution Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for restitution Spanish Central: Translation of restitution Nglish: Translation of restitution for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about restitution

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RESTITUTION Defined for English Language Learners

restitution

Definition of restitution for English Language Learners

Law Dictionary

restitution

legal Definition of restitution

restitutional

restitutionary

restitutive

restitutory

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