on behalf of someone
idiom
variants
or on someone's behalf
1
: as a representative of someone
The teacher accepted the award on behalf of the whole class.
2
or US in behalf of someone
or in someone's behalf
: for the benefit of someone : in support of someone
She spoke in behalf of the other candidate.
They're willing to do anything on their child's behalf.
3
: because of someone
Don't get up on my behalf.
Examples of on behalf of someone in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the typical case, a fiduciary is the party charged with managing money or property on behalf of someone else.
—
Nick Dedeke, Ars Technica, 28 Sep. 2024
The glittering 1785 scandal at the court of Louis XVI involved a cardinal who was looking to regain the favor of Marie-Antoinette, the last Queen of France, who was tricked into acquiring a necklace on behalf of someone pretending to be the Queen.
—Amarachi Orie, CNN, 24 Sep. 2024
The act expands background checks, creates new criminal penalties for gun trafficking and for purchasing a gun on behalf of someone banned from doing so.
—Meg Anderson, NPR, 11 Sep. 2024
State lawmakers said the regulation was aimed at deterring straw purchases, which is when someone buys a gun on behalf of someone else who cannot legally make the same purchase.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for on behalf of someone 
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.
Nick Dedeke, Ars Technica, 28 Sep. 2024
The glittering 1785 scandal at the court of Louis XVI involved a cardinal who was looking to regain the favor of Marie-Antoinette, the last Queen of France, who was tricked into acquiring a necklace on behalf of someone pretending to be the Queen.
—Amarachi Orie, CNN, 24 Sep. 2024
The act expands background checks, creates new criminal penalties for gun trafficking and for purchasing a gun on behalf of someone banned from doing so.
—Meg Anderson, NPR, 11 Sep. 2024
State lawmakers said the regulation was aimed at deterring straw purchases, which is when someone buys a gun on behalf of someone else who cannot legally make the same purchase.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for on behalf of someone
Dictionary Entries Near on behalf of someone
Cite this Entry
“On behalf of someone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20behalf%20of%20someone. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share