English Reference
noun

restitution

n.
US /ˌɹɛstɪˈtuʃən/ UK /ɹɪstɪtjˈuːʃən/ resti·tu·tion UK spelling restitutions

  1. 01 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    payment made to someone to cover the cost of damage or loss you caused.

    the act of making good or compensating for loss, damage, or injury, often as a court-ordered requirement.

    Simple

    The judge ordered the thief to make full restitution to the victims.

    In context

    The court mandated that the corporation make full financial restitution to the local residents affected by the chemical spill.

    Usage

    Often used with the verb 'make' or 'order'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the act of returning something that was lost or stolen to its original owner.

    the restoration of property or rights to their original state or to their rightful owner.

    Simple

    The museum is discussing the restitution of ancient statues to their home country.

    In context

    International treaties often govern the restitution of cultural artifacts looted during times of conflict.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by the preposition 'of'.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    a natural turn the baby's head makes after it is born to line up with its shoulders.

    the spontaneous rotation of the fetal head after delivery to align with the shoulders.

    Simple

    The doctor watched for restitution to ensure the baby was moving correctly.

    In context

    Restitution occurs as the fetal head aligns with the shoulders, which remain in the oblique diameter of the pelvic brim.

    Usage

    Used as an uncountable noun in clinical descriptions of labor.

At least 69 people were shot dead in 1960 but no-one has been prosecuted and victims want restitution.

BBC News· 3 Sept 2026

From Old French restitucion, from Latin restitutio.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated