defray

verb

de·​fray di-ˈfrā How to pronounce defray (audio)
dē-
defrayed; defraying; defrays

transitive verb

1
: to provide for the payment of : pay
sold advertising on his website to help defray the cost of running it
2
archaic : to bear the expenses of (a person)
defrayable adjective
defrayal noun

Examples of defray in a Sentence

This will defray the costs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
School choice supporters argue that families should have the right to choose what schools their kids attend, and that state funds should be used to defray costs for some families who opt out of public schools. Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 Both numbers will need to increase to defray the running costs of a large musical. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024 Many states and insurance companies also offer incentives to help defray costs, IBHS said. Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024 The family has started a GoFundMe effort to help defray costs of transporting Hidalgo’s body. Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for defray 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French deffroyer, from des- de- + frayer to expend, from Old French, from frais, plural of fret, frait expenditure, literally, damage by breaking, from Latin fractum, neuter of fractus, past participle of frangere to break — more at break

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of defray was in 1536

Dictionary Entries Near defray

Cite this Entry

“Defray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defray. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

defray

verb
de·​fray di-ˈfrā How to pronounce defray (audio)
: to pay or provide for the payment of
more money to defray expenses
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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