atonement

Definition

Making amends to restore a damaged relationship; expiation.

Etymology

Perhaps from atone + -ment as translation of Medieval Latin adūnāmentum; however, the noun is found earlier than the verb (atone); and in this light, the proper etymology is at + onement.

Example Sentences

• "When a man has been guilty of any vice, the best atonement he can make for it is, to warn others."
• "1697-1698, John Potter, Archaeologia Graeca The Phocians behaved themselves with so much gallantry, that they were thought to have made a sufficient atonement for their former offense."
• "by whom we have now received the atonement"

Related Words