The term 'make reparations' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: ATONE (5 letters) and EXPIATE (7 letters). To ATONE is to make amends for a wrong or sin, while to EXPIATE is to make reparation or amends for a wrong or sin. Both terms are used in the context of making up for a wrong or sin, either through an apology or some other form of restitution. In the context of history, reparations are often used to address the wrongs done to a particular group of people, such as those affected by slavery or colonialism.