OnOff Item 5 redeem \ri-ˈdēm\ v. 1. to buy back or pay off; 2. to exchange for something else; 3. to make up for or make more acceptable; 4. to release from blame or debt. –redeemable adj. 1375–1425; Middle English Which definition in the entry best clarifies the precise meaning of the word redeem in this sentence? The exciting final act was able to redeem an otherwise terrible play.