Blog. A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today. Definition and synonyms of self-deprecating from the online English dictionary from Macmillan Publishers Limited.
reparation (Noun) A payment of time, effort or money to undo past transgression(s). reparation (Noun) The act of renewing, restoring, etc., or the state of being renewed or repaired; as, the reparation of a bridge or of a highway. Origin: From reparationem, from reparatio.
Collective identity appears to be pivotal in nations making reparations for past wrongs. An interesting example is the case of post-WWII restitution (returning stolen property, compensation) for crimes done by a government, even when the government no longer exists, and is even outlawed.