Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of restoring something to its original owner or condition: "Restitution" refers to the process of giving back something that was taken or lost, or returning something to its proper state.
   • Compensation for loss, damage, or injury: "Restitution" also means a sum of money paid to make up for a loss or harm caused.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The court ordered the thief to make restitution to the victims. (The court ordered the thief to compensate the victims.)
  • The museum demanded the restitution of the stolen painting. (The museum demanded the return of the stolen painting.)
  • The new policy focuses on the restitution of damaged ecosystems. (The new policy focuses on restoring damaged ecosystems.)

Advanced Usage

• "Make restitution": to compensate someone for a loss or injury.
  • The company was forced to make restitution for the environmental damage it caused.
• "Full restitution": complete compensation or return.
  • The judge awarded the plaintiff full restitution for their financial losses.

Variants and Related Words

• Restitute (verb, formal): to restore or give back.
  • The government sought to restitute the land to its original inhabitants.
• Restorative (adjective): having the ability to restore health or strength.
  • The spa offered various restorative treatments.

Synonyms

• Restoration: the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition.
• Compensation: something, typically money, awarded to someone in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury.
• Reimbursement: repayment for money spent or for a loss incurred.

Related Phrases

• "Principle of restitution": a legal doctrine requiring a person who has been unjustly enriched at the expense of another to make restitution.
  • The case was decided based on the principle of restitution.
• "In restitution for": as compensation for.
  • He offered a public apology in restitution for his remarks.

Related Idioms

• "To seek restitution": to try to obtain compensation or the return of something.
  • The victims sought restitution through the legal system.

Noun

1. getting something back again
   • upon the restitution of the book to its rightful owner the child was given a tongue lashing
2. the act of restoring something to its original state
3. a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury