Atone

/əˈtoʊn/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to make amends or reparation for a wrongdoing or an offense

He tried to atone for his mistakes by volunteering at the local shelter.

to reconcile or make up for something that has caused harm or hurt

After years of neglecting her family, she sought to atone with heartfelt apologies.

to expiate or to seek forgiveness for one’s actions

The criminal attempted to atone for his crimes by confessing to the authorities.

to offset or balance out a previous action, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense

He donated a large sum of money to charity to atone for his earlier indifference.

Middle English: from atone 'in accord, in harmony', from 'at one' with.

atone for one's sins

to make amends for wrongdoings in a moral or spiritual context.

atone with

to reconcile with someone after a disagreement.

expiate

To make amends for guilt or wrongdoing.

redress

To remedy or set right a wrong or grievance.

Make things right.

He needs to atone for that mistake, or no one will trust him again.

Payback for bad behavior.

She's got to atone; there will be consequences for her actions.