redeem

verb

re·​deem ri-ˈdēm How to pronounce redeem (audio)
redeemed; redeeming; redeems

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
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 adjective
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The current program allows the state to issue up to $150 million per year in film credits, and allows producers to redeem up to $180 million. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024 By integrating loyalty points as a payment option at the point of sale both online and in-store, consumers won’t have to think twice about tapping their digital wallet to redeem or selecting the points balance option online. Len Covello, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 In 1954, shortly after Stalin’s death, the music committee contemplated giving a prize to Alexander Mosolov, a former avant-gardist who had tried to redeem himself by writing pieces based on folk material. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024 Earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts on future buys. Receive exclusive offers and early access to sales events. Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for redeem 

Word History

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near redeem

Cite this Entry

“Redeem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redeem. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

redeem

verb
re·​deem ri-ˈdēm How to pronounce redeem (audio)
1
: to buy or win back
2
a
: to free from captivity especially by paying a ransom
b
: to free from the penalties of sin
3
: to change for the better : reform
4
: to remove the obligation of by payment
the government redeems savings bonds
5
: to make good : fulfill
redeem a promise
redeemable adjective
redeemer
-ˈdē-mər
noun

Legal Definition

redeem

transitive verb
re·​deem ri-ˈdēm How to pronounce redeem (audio)
1
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 foreclosureBowery 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
3
a
: 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 offHausman v. Dayton, 653 N.E.2d 1190 (1995)

More from Merriam-Webster on redeem

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