v.
Pronunciation: ri- ' d ē m
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: 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
Date: 15th century
1 a : to buy back : REPURCHASE b : to get or win back
2 : to free from what distresses or harms: 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 redeem s 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
synonyms see RESCUE
– re · deem · able \ - ' d ē -m ə -b ə l \ adjective