reparation

What it means

1. countableplural normallyuncountableA payment of time, effort or money to compensate for past transgression(s).

   I am sensible of the scandal I have given by my loose writings, and make what reparation I am able.

   1700, [John] Dryden, “Preface”, in Fables Ancient and Modern; […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC

   2 more examples

   A feature of locomotive operation on the Region de l'Est of the French National Railways, not only on the old Alsace-Lorraine lines, but also on the Est proper, is the wide use still made of ex-German engines received as reparations after the 1914-19 war.

   1950 January, “Notes and News: Est Locomotive Practice”, in Railway Magazine, page 58

   Biotic Leader: So how about if I kill Chairman Burns and finish this charade? Chairman Burns: Please! I was trying to help you people! Shepard: Let's not do anything we're all going to regret. Biotic Leader: Why not? What have we got to lose? Biotic Leader: Since the chairman here decided we didn't get reparations, we've got nothing left to live for! Chairman Burns: But I've changed my mind! Seeing y-you all, it's c-clear that you all d-deserve... Biotic Leader: You had your chance! Some L2s are nearly crippled from side effects of the implants, but you voted against reparations!

   2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: MSV Ontario

   Synonyms: amends, compensation, restitution, satisfaction, amends, acquittal, assyth, bote

2. archaiccountableuncountableThe act of renewing, restoring, etc., or the state of being renewed or repaired.

   the reparation of a bridge or of a highway

   1 more example

   The church at Lichfield, in which we had a seat, wanted reparation, so I was to go and find a seat in other churches; and having bad eyes, and being awkward about this, I used to go and read in the fields on Sunday.

   1791, James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.

   Synonyms: repair, restoration

In a sentence

I am sensible of the scandal I have given by my loose writings, and make what reparation I am able.

1700, [John] Dryden, “Preface”, in Fables Ancient and Modern; […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC

Where it comes from

1. Latinreparatus
2. Latinreparātiō, reparātiōnis
3. Englishreparation

Borrowed from Latin reparātiō, reparātiōnis.