'redeem' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'redimere,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'emere' meant 'to buy.'

'redimere' transformed into the Old French word 'redimer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'redeem' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to buy back,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of compensating for faults or fulfilling promises.