atone

[ uh-tohn ]
See synonyms for: atoneatoningatonableatoneable on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),a·toned, a·ton·ing.
  1. to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender (usually followed by for): to atone for one's sins.

  2. to make up, as for errors or deficiencies (usually followed by for): to atone for one's failings.

  1. Obsolete. to become reconciled; agree.

verb (used with object),a·toned, a·ton·ing.
  1. to make amends for; expiate: He atoned his sins.

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

Origin of atone

1
First recorded in 1545–55; back formation from atonement

Other words from atone

  • a·ton·a·ble, a·tone·a·ble, adjective
  • a·ton·er, noun
  • a·ton·ing·ly, adverb
  • un·a·toned, adjective
  • un·a·ton·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use atone in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for atone

atone

/ (əˈtəʊn) /


verb
  1. (intr foll by for) to make amends or reparation (for a crime, sin, etc)

  2. (tr) to expiate: to atone a guilt with repentance

  1. obsolete to be in or bring into agreement

Origin of atone

1
C16: back formation from atonement

Derived forms of atone

  • atonable or atoneable, adjective
  • atoner, noun

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

Other Idioms and Phrases with atone

atone

In agreement, in harmony, as in John and Pat were at one on every subject except her cat, which made him sneeze, or Springtime always makes me feel at one with nature. [1300s]

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.