reparation

noun

rep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce reparation (audio)
1
a
: a repairing or keeping in repair
b
reparations plural : repairs
2
a
: the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury
b
: something done or given as amends or satisfaction
3
: the payment of damages : indemnification
specifically : compensation in money or materials payable by a defeated nation for damages to or expenditures sustained by another nation as a result of hostilities with the defeated nation
usually used in plural

Examples of reparation in a Sentence

The country paid millions in reparations. They've offered no apologies and seem to have no thoughts of reparation. She says she's sorry and wants to make reparations.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of the most significant outcomes has been the passage of several reparations bills, including one signed in September that requires California to formally apologize for perpetuating slavery. Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025 So far, two reparations bills (Assembly Bill 7 and Assembly Bill 62) have been introduced into the state Assembly. Wenyuan Wu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025 Researchers have studied the potential health benefits of reparation payments to address historical injustices that led to racial wealth gaps. Amy Maxmen | Kff Health News, ABC News, 18 Jan. 2025 Securing the political will and passing the reparations proposal was in some sense the easy part. Michela Moscufo, NBC News, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reparation 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reparacion, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin reparation-, reparatio, from Latin reparare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reparation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near reparation

Cite this Entry

“Reparation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reparation. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

reparation

noun
rep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌrep-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce reparation (audio)
1
: a repairing or keeping in repair
a building in need of constant reparation
2
: the act of making up for a wrong
3
: money or materials paid or to be paid by a country losing a war to the winner to make up for damages done in the war
usually used in plural

Legal Definition

reparation

noun
rep·​a·​ra·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce reparation (audio)
1
a
: the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury
b
: something done or given as amends or satisfaction
2
: the payment of damages
specifically : compensation in money or materials payable by a defeated nation for damages to or expenditures sustained by another nation as a result of hostilities with the defeated nation
usually used in pl.

More from Merriam-Webster on reparation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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