# redeem

/ɹɪˈdim/ (US) · /ɹɪdˈiːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/redeem
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to compensate for a fault

verb · CEFR B2

to make a bad situation or person seem better by doing something good.

For teachers: to offset the negative effects of a flaw or mistake through a positive quality or action.

- The film was quite boring, but the beautiful ending helped to redeem it.
- The protagonist spends the final act attempting to redeem himself in the eyes of his family after years of neglect.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice or with a reflexive pronoun like 'himself' or 'themselves'.

### 2. to exchange a voucher

verb · CEFR B2

to trade a coupon, voucher, or points for goods, services, or money.

For teachers: to exchange a document, voucher, or digital code for its equivalent value in goods or cash.

- You can redeem your reward points for a gift card at any of our stores.
- Investors may choose to redeem their shares for cash once the fund reaches its maturity date.

### 3. to fulfill a promise

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to do what you promised you would do.

For teachers: to carry out or fulfill a pledge, promise, or obligation.

- The politician struggled to redeem the promises he made during the election.
- The governor was determined to redeem his pledge to lower taxes before the end of his term.

## Examples

- I redeemed my gift card for a coffee.
- She redeemed her loyalty points for a free flight to London.
- The company allowed shareholders to redeem their preferred stock at par value, providing an exit strategy before the market downturn.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.