penance
noun/ˈpɛnəns/
Frequency rank: #11,402 most common English word
Meaning
An act of self-punishment or devotion performed to show regret for wrongdoing.
Example sentence
He performed penance by volunteering at the shelter every weekend to make up for his past mistakes.
Synonyms & related words
- atonement
- repentance
- reparation
- expiation
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