When you apologize for doing something wrong, that’s an act of atonement . Many religions have rituals of atonement , such as Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement , on which people of the Jewish faith repent for their sins. Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin The concept of atonement is central to Christian theology, referring to the reconciliation between God and humanity brought about through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The term " atonement " itself is derived from the Middle English phrase " at onement ," meaning to be in harmony or agreement. Define atonement . atonement synonyms, atonement pronunciation, atonement translation, English dictionary definition of atonement . n. 1. Amends or reparation made for an injury or wrong; expiation. 2. a. Judaism An individual's reconciliation with God by means of repentance and... 4 meanings: 1. satisfaction, reparation, or expiation given for an injury or wrong 2. Christian theology a. the reconciliation.... Click for more definitions.
