# redeem

> English word · Verb · IPA /ɹɪˈdiːm/ · frequency rank #14,397

## Definitions
1. To recover ownership of something by buying it back.
2. To liberate by payment of a ransom.
3. To set free by force.
4. To save, rescue.
5. To clear, release from debt or blame.
6. To expiate, atone (for).
7. To convert (some bond or security) into cash.
8. To save from a state of sin (and from its consequences).
9. To repair, restore.
10. To reform, change (for the better).
11. To restore the honour, worth, or reputation of oneself or something.
12. To reclaim.

## Etymology
From Middle English redemen, modified from Old French redimer, from Latin redimō (“release; obviate; atone for”), itself from red- (“back; again”) + emō (“buy; gain, take, procure”).

## Easily confused with
- **Renée** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/redeem-vs-renee)
- **redeemer** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/redeem-vs-redeemer)

## Common misspellings (8)
`erdeem`, `rdeeem`, `reddeem`, `redeemm`, `redem`, `redeme`, `reedem`, `rredeem`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/redeem