What does redeem mean?
Redeem is a versatile verb meaning chiefly to exchange a voucher, coupon, ticket, or other entitlement for its value, although it can also mean recovering something of value. Figuratively, a person may redeem their reputation after losing public trust, or redeem themselves through consistent good conduct. The word can describe compensating for wrongdoing, rescuing someone from danger, and, in Christian theology, saving humanity from sin through Christ’s sacrifice. “Redeem a voucher” and “redeem oneself” are especially common expressions. In general use, the verb often carries a suggestion of restoring something that has been lost, damaged, or compromised. Its religious associations are significant, but the modern word is just as likely to appear in instructions for a shop, loyalty programme, or ticket promotion. The related noun “redemption” is used for these acts of recovery or exchange.
To exchange a voucher, coupon, ticket, or other entitlement for its stated value; to recover or reclaim something, especially by paying an amount.
"You can redeem the voucher for £20 off your next purchase."
This is the most common modern sense, especially in commercial contexts.
To restore someone’s reputation, honour, or standing after it has been damaged.
"She spent years trying to redeem her reputation after the scandal."
Common in figurative and semi-formal usage.
To compensate for a fault or wrongdoing, or to atone for an offence.
"He redeemed his failure to help by offering to support the project."
Often used with an explicit object such as “a fault,” “an offence,” or “a failure.”
In Christian theology, to save someone from sin or damnation.
"The tradition holds that Christ died to redeem humanity from sin."
This sense is formal and especially associated with Christian religious language.
Redeem has a remarkably wide range: you can redeem a coupon, redeem your reputation, or, in religious language, redeem humanity from sin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redeem come from?
Redeem comes from Old English redēman, a translation of Latin redimere, “to buy back” or “recover by paying.” The Latin verb combined the prefix re-, meaning “back” or “again,” with emere, “to buy.” The word developed through senses including buying back, reclaiming, rescuing, and making amends, before acquiring its modern commercial and religious meanings.
Related word forms
How redeem is actually used
The verb is common in British and US English. In everyday commercial contexts, “redeem” usually means to exchange a voucher or entitlement; in figurative contexts, it often means to restore a person’s reputation or make them respectable again. The religious sense is formal and chiefly associated with Christian theology.
Easily confused with redeem
This entry concerns the verb redeem; it should not be confused with the noun redemption, which denotes the act of recovering, exchanging, or saving something.