redeem
UK: rɪˈdiːm | US: rɪˈdiːm
vt. to compensate for the faults or bad aspects of something
vt. to regain possession of something by paying a sum or fulfilling a condition
vt. to fulfill or carry out a promise or pledge
vt. (theology) to save someone from sin or evil
The word "redeem" originates from Latin redimere ("to buy back"), combining re- (again) and emere (to buy, take). Over time, it evolved through Old French redimer into Middle English redemen, retaining the core idea of "reclaiming" or "restoring." The morpheme "deem" here reflects the older sense of "taking" or "judging" (as in "deem"), which aligns with the transactional or evaluative nature of redemption—whether literal (buying back) or metaphorical (saving from sin).
She worked hard to redeem her reputation after the scandal.
You can redeem your voucher at any participating store.
The hero’s sacrifice redeemed the kingdom from destruction.
He promised to redeem the debt by the end of the month.
(Theology) Christians believe Jesus redeemed humanity through his death.