rep·a·ra·tion
(rĕṕə-rā́shən)
[Middle English reparacion, from Old French, from Late Latin reparātiō, reparātiōn-, restoration, from Latin reparātus past participle of reparāre, to repair; see repair1.]
noun
- The act or process of repairing or the condition of being repaired.
- The act or process of making amends; expiation.
- Something done or paid to compensate or make amends.
- Compensation or remuneration required from a defeated nation as indemnity for damage or injury during a war.
synonyms:
reparation, redress, amends, restitution, indemnity These nouns refer to something given in compensation for loss, suffering, or damage. Reparation implies recompense given to one who has suffered at the hands of another: “reparation for our rights at home, and security against the like future violations” (William Pitt) Redress involves setting an injustice right; the term may imply retaliation or punishment: “There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law” (Abraham Lincoln) Amends usually implies the giving of satisfaction for a minor grievance or lesser injury: How can I make amends for losing my temper? Restitution is the restoration of something taken illegally: “He attempted to enforce the restitution of the Roman lands and cities” (George P.R. James) Indemnity implies repayment or reimbursement: Homeowners demanded indemnity for the damages caused by the riot.
