WordValerestitution
compensation paid to restore what was lost or taken
In more detail
1. (noun) the act of giving back something that was stolen or taken, or returning someone to their previous condition
2. (noun) money paid to someone as compensation for harm or loss caused by another person
Examples
- 1. The thief made restitution by returning the stolen jewelry to its owner.
- 2. The court ordered the driver to pay restitution to the accident victim for medical expenses.
How to use restitution
Restitution is used in both legal and general contexts to describe compensation for wrongdoing or the return of something taken. It emphasizes both the act of giving back and the righting of a wrong, making it more formal and official-sounding than simple 'compensation'. In legal contexts, restitution is often ordered by a court as part of a criminal sentence or civil judgment.
Common phrases
- seek restitution
- pay restitution
- order restitution
- full restitution
- restitution for damages
Synonyms
compensation · reparation · repayment · indemnification · restoration
Word family
restitute (verb) · restitutive (adjective) · restitutory (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use restitution when they simply mean 'return' or 'repayment' without the sense of compensation for harm; restitution specifically implies making someone whole again after damage or loss.
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