atone

verb

Etymology: From atone (“reconciled”), from Middle English atone, attone, atoon (“agreed”, literally “at one”), equivalent to at + one. Compare Latin adūnō (“to unite, make one”) for the similar formation. Regarding the different phonological development of atone and one, see the note in one.

1. To make reparation, compensation, amends or satisfaction for an offence, crime, mistake or deficiency.

   “He tried to atone for his mistakes by working harder.”

   “She gave a donation to atone for her past actions.”

2. To bring at one or at concordance; to reconcile; to suffer appeasement.
3. To agree or accord; to be in accordance or harmony.
4. To unite in making.
5. To absolve (someone else) of wrongdoing, especially by standing as an equivalent.