Redeem

Redeem is a verb with several related meanings. It can mean to exchange something for its value or to recover possession by paying a price. It can also mean to fulfill a promise, duty, or obligation. In religious contexts, redeem often refers to deliverance from sin or bondage, typically through a person, event, or sacrifice deemed to restore spiritual freedom. The noun form redemption denotes the act of redeeming or the state of being redeemed.

Etymology and usage: Redeem comes from Old French redemere, from Latin redimere “to buy back,” combining red- “back” with emere “to buy.” This lineage underpins its broad applicability across domains such as finance, law, religion, and everyday speech.

Finance and commerce: In financial terms, redemption describes the act of an issuer or holder paying the amount due to extinguish a security before or at maturity. Examples include redeeming a bond at its redemption price or redeeming shares in a fund. In consumer settings, redemption refers to exchanging a coupon, voucher, or loyalty points for goods or services, often signaling the completion of a reward transaction and the receipt of value.

Everyday and cultural usage: Redeem is also used in phrases like “redeem a promise” or “redeem oneself,” meaning to fulfill a commitment or restore one’s reputation after a lapse. Across contexts, the concept centers on regaining value, independence, or moral standing through an act of payment, exchange, or virtuous action.