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| Date: | 1400-1500 |
| Language: | French |
| Origin: | rédimer, from Latin redimere, from emere 'to take, buy' |
Related topics:1 to make something less bad [= make up for]: 
Olivier's performance redeemed an otherwise second-rate play.
improve something
Olivier's performance redeemed an otherwise second-rate play. redeeming quality/feature etc (=the one good thing about an unpleasant person or thing) The hotel had a single redeeming feature - it was cheap.
The hotel had a single redeeming feature - it was cheap.2 to do something that will improve what other people think of you, after you have behaved badly or failed : He spent the rest of the game trying to redeem himself after a first-minute mistake.
redeem yourself
He spent the rest of the game trying to redeem himself after a first-minute mistake.3 to exchange a piece of paper representing an amount of money for that amount of money or for goods equal in cost to that amount of money : You can redeem the coupon at any store.
get money for something
BYou can redeem the coupon at any store.4 to free someone from the power of evil, especially in the Christian religion ➔ redeemer
religion
RRC5 to do what you promised to do : The government found itself unable to redeem its election pledges.
redeem a promise/pledge
formalThe government found itself unable to redeem its election pledges.6 to buy back something which you left with someone you borrowed money from
