Restitution
/ˌrɛstɪˈt(j)uːʃ(ə)n/
Definitions
The act of restoring something to its original state or of compensating someone for loss or damage.
/ˌrɛstɪˈt(j)uːʃ(ə)n/
The act of returning something that was lost or stolen to its rightful owner or of compensating for damage or loss.
The company was forced to make restitution to the investors they had defrauded.
💡 Simply: Imagine you accidentally broke your friend's toy. Restitution is when you replace the toy, or pay them money so they can get a new one. It's making things right again after you messed up!
👶 For kids: Making something right after you did something wrong. Like, giving back a toy you borrowed.
More Examples
The judge demanded restitution for the damages caused by the vandalism.
The museum negotiated the restitution of the artifacts to their country of origin.
How It's Used
"The court ordered the defendant to make full restitution to the victims of the fraud."
"After the war, there was a push for restitution of stolen artworks."
Idioms & expressions
make restitution
To provide compensation or return something that was lost or stolen.
"The thief was ordered to make restitution for the stolen goods."
From Latin *restitutio* ('restoration, reinstatement'), from *restituere* ('to restore'), from *re-* ('back, again') + *statuere* ('to set up, establish').
The term has been used in legal and political contexts since the late 14th century, often in the context of restoring property or rights.
Memory tip
Think of 're-stating' or 're-turning' something to make it whole again.