Redeem — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈdēm/ re·deem

Meaning & Definition of Redeem

Redeem (verb)

  1. to buy back, repurchase
  2. to get or win back
  3. to free from what distresses or harms

Redeem (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to do what is required by the terms of

    "the Little League coach redeemed his promise to take the players out for ice cream if they improved their fielding over the season"

    similar: answer, complete, comply (with), fill, fulfill, keep, meet, satisfy, abide by, make good
    related: conclude, consummate, finalize, finish, perfect, accomplish, achieve, bring about, bring off, carry out, effect, commit, compass, discharge, execute, follow through (with), make, perform
    opposite: breach, break, transgress, violate
    near: default (on), disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight

  2. to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price

    "the government has consistently refused to redeem hostages captured by terrorists"

    similar: ransom
    related: bail, deliver, rescue, save, emancipate, liberate, get back, recover, regain, retrieve, release, buy, salvage

  3. to free from the penalties or consequences of sin

    "the belief that sinners are redeemed by their faith in God"

    similar: deliver, save
    related: reclaim, reform, forgive, pardon, remit, shrive, bless, hallow, consecrate, purify, sanctify

  4. to make better in behavior or character

    "the unfaithful husband made a determined effort to redeem himself in the eyes of his wife and children"

    similar: habilitate, reclaim, reform, regenerate, rehabilitate
    related: reeducate, amend, improve, refine, cleanse, purify, restore
    near: abase, canker, corrupt, debauch, degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, lower, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, warp

  5. to make up for (an offense)

    "quickly redeemed the offending remark with a sincere and unconditional apology"

    similar: atone (for), expiate, mend, make amends for, make good for
    related: compensate, recompense, reimburse, remunerate, repay, amend, correct, rectify, redress, propitiate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Redeem

The most common words with a similar meaning to Redeem:

answer, complete, comply (with), fill, fulfill, keep, meet, satisfy, ransom, deliver, save, habilitate, reclaim, reform, regenerate, rehabilitate, atone (for), expiate, mend, abide by, make good, make amends for, make good for

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Redeem

Words with the opposite meaning of Redeem:

breach, break, transgress, violate

Related Words for Redeem

conclude, consummate, finalize, finish, perfect, accomplish, achieve, bring about, bring off, carry out, effect, commit, compass, discharge, execute, follow through (with), make, perform, bail, rescue, emancipate, liberate, get back, recover, regain, retrieve, release, buy, salvage, forgive

Near Antonyms of Redeem

default (on), disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight, abase, canker, corrupt, debauch, degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, lower, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, warp

Word Forms of Redeem

Inflections: redeemed, redeeming, redeems

Derived words: redeemable (adjective)

Origin & 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

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Redeem

redeem oneself

Frequently Asked Questions about Redeem

What does "Redeem" mean?

"Redeem" means to buy back, repurchase. As a verb, it is defined as: to buy back, repurchase. It has 5 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Redeem"?

Other words for "Redeem" include answer, complete, comply (with), fill, fulfill, keep, meet and satisfy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Redeem" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Redeem"?

There are 76 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Redeem". Common alternatives include answer, complete, comply (with), fill, fulfill, keep, meet, satisfy, ransom and deliver.

What is the opposite of "Redeem"?

Antonyms of "Redeem" include breach, break, transgress and violate. Near antonyms include default (on), disregard, forget and ignore.

How do you use "Redeem" in a sentence?

Examples of "Redeem" in a sentence: "the Little League coach redeemed his promise to take the players out for ice cream if they improved their fielding over the season"; "the government has consistently refused to redeem hostages captured by terrorists"; "the belief that sinners are redeemed by their faith in God".

Is "Redeem" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Redeem" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Redeem"?

"Redeem" is pronounced /ri-ˈdēm/ and divided into syllables as re·deem.

What is the origin of the word "Redeem"?

"Redeem" comes from 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.