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

The campaign has been fraught with allegations of meddling and political violence on behalf of GD. —David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Oct. 2024

The charges echo accusations in a 2023 BBC investigation and private litigation on behalf of Jeffries' accusers. —Siddharth Cavale, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024

Those are the sorts of things that a browser, with access to all your web apps and browsing data, could begin to do on your behalf. —David Pierce, The Verge, 25 Oct. 2024

An agent is now defined as any person acting on behalf of an employer to exercise a function traditionally performed by the employer. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 25 Oct. 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