Advertisement

View synonyms for

atone

[uh-tohn]

verb (used without object)

atoned, atoning 
  1. to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender (usually followed byfor ).

    to atone for one's sins.

  2. to make up, as for errors or deficiencies (usually followed byfor ).

    to atone for one's failings.

  3. Obsolete.to become reconciled; agree.



verb (used with object)

atoned, atoning 
  1. to make amends for; expiate.

    He atoned his sins.

  2. Obsolete.to bring into unity, harmony, concord, etc.

atone

/ əˈəʊ /

verb

  1. to make amends or reparation (for a crime, sin, etc)

  2. (tr) to expiate

    to atone a guilt with repentance

  3. obsoleteto be in or bring into agreement

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • atonable adjective
  • atoneable adjective
  • atoner noun
  • atoningly adverb
  • unatoned adjective
  • unatoning adjective
  • ˈٴDzԱ noun
  • ˈٴDzԲ adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of atone1

First recorded in 1545–55; back formation from atonement
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of atone1

C16: back formation from atonement
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Having spent the last seven years in a state of self-absorption — or, as his ex-girlfriend Lucy later puts it: “You’ve just been up there pouting?” — his new quest is simply to atone.

From

Interspersed throughout the story are black-and-white “mystical visions,” as Anderson calls them, in which Korda sees himself in heaven atoning for his sins and even dialoguing with God.

From

“I don’t ask for anyone’s forgiveness, but I promise to atone for my terrible mistake.”

From

Weir's opening goal five minutes before the break had given the Scots hope of atoning for Friday's 4-0 home loss to the same opposition.

From

Merritt believed owning the house would help atone for the hurt she’d caused her children and bolster her efforts to repair their relationship.

From

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


at onceat one