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

Vice presidential nominees have visited Kentucky Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz appeared in Louisville on Oct. 23 to speak at a campaign reception on behalf of the Harris Victory fund as part of his campaign stop. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024

Gina Henry, 66, and Barbara Yates, 64, came to talk to voters on behalf of the Maricopa County Republican Committee. —The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Complaint accuses Spencer of ordering City Attorney's Office memo to gain an advantage in stopping inspections at building storing his cars The complaint says Spencer intervened on behalf of the facility's owner with city officials on several occasions. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024

The rest was spent by groups like Truth and Courage PAC (more than $20 million on behalf of Cruz) and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (more than $16 million for Allred). —Asher Price, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

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

Kids Definition

behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhȧf

: useful aid : support

spoke in my behalf