To make up for wrongdoing by doing something good or apologizing sincerely.
From 'at one,' literally meaning 'to make one' or 'reconcile.' Used in English since the 1500s to mean restoration of harmony. The religious meaning (sacrifice for sin) became prominent in biblical translation contexts.
The concept of atonement appears in virtually every major religion and culture, but the mechanism varies wildly—from public confession to rituals to just sincere apology. This suggests humans universally need ways to reset relationships after harm.
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