behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhäf,

bē-

: interest, benefit

also : support, defense

argued in his behalf

On Behalf of vs. in Behalf of: Usage Guide

A body of opinion favors in with the "interest, benefit" sense of behalf and on with the "support, defense" sense. This distinction has been observed by some writers but overall has never had a sound basis in actual usage. In current British use, on behalf (of) has replaced in behalf (of); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.

Phrases

on behalf of or in behalf of

: in the interest of

also : as a representative of

I wrote the letter on behalf of my client.

Examples of behalf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most of these objections have been filed on behalf of several parties, some of whom prefer to remain anonymous. —Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Four years later, the Hotel Association signed a neutrality card check agreement on behalf of the city’s hotels with the Hotel Trades Council — a new umbrella organization representing every union that spoke for the city’s hotel workers. —Shaun Richman, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025

Laurie Flink, who works with Wasserman Schultz, did attend on her behalf. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025

Copilot will now turn into a complete personal assistant with the ability to take action on a user’s behalf across select websites to book tickets to events, make restaurant reservations, and more. —Ece Yildirim, Quartz, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from by + half half, side

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing behalf

• in behalf of someone
• in someone's behalf
• on behalf of someone
• on someone's behalf

Rhymes for behalf

• carafe
• digraph
• distaff
• falstaff
• giraffe
• subgraph
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph

Kids Definition

behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhȧf

: useful aid : support

spoke in my behalf