Atoner

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who attempts to rectify past mistakes and find forgiveness by making reparations for their wrongdoings
2. An individual who seeks to resolve guilt or offenses by offering compensation or apology
3. One who endeavors to repair harm caused by previous actions through corrective measures

Etymology: "Atoner" is simply "atone" with the agent suffix "-er" added, so it names a person who makes amends. The base verb "atone" comes from a phrase, "at one," meaning to be in harmony or agreement with someone, and from that sense it developed the idea of reconciling with a person one has wronged, then of making up for an offence. The suffix "-er" marks the one who performs the action, the same pattern found in "baker" or "singer." Because the noun is a transparent formation, its meaning follows directly from the verb: wherever "atone" is used, "atoner" describes the person doing the atoning. The word is a straightforward derivation rather than a separate coinage with its own history.

Synonyms: redeemer, expiator, reparateur