proffer

1 of 2

verb

prof·​fer ˈprä-fər How to pronounce proffer (audio)
proffered; proffering ˈprä-f(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce proffer (audio)

transitive verb

: to present for acceptance : tender, offer

intransitive verb

US law
: to offer to take part in a proffer session
decided that an indictment was unlikely and there was no reason to proffer

proffer

2 of 2

noun

1
2
US law : an offer made to a prosecutor by a person who is a subject of a criminal investigation to provide information in exchange for limited immunity or a plea bargaining agreement
made a proffer in the hope of avoiding prosecution

Did you know?

As rhyming synonyms, proffer and offer are quite the pair, and we can proffer an explanation as to why: both come ultimately from Latin offerre, meaning “to present, tender, proffer, offer.” Offer had been part of the language for hundreds of years before proffer was adopted by way of an Anglo-French intermediary in the 14th century. A more formal word than its plainer relation, proffer often emphasizes courteousness on the part of the one doing the tendering.

Examples of proffer in a Sentence

Verb He proffered advice on how best to proceed. proffered his assistance in helping the two sides reach a compromise Noun a generous proffer of his baronial estate for the charity gala
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.
Verb
The Rutherford Reserve 2020 is made from fruit sourced in Rutherford AVA proffering heady aromas of black currant, black raspberry, forest floor, and cigar box with flavors of black plum, graphite, and a just a touch of finely ground pepper. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 Dec. 2024 The new report doubles down on information Pu had proffered earlier in the year, suggesting that Apple’s plan has been consistent and still heading in the same direction. David Phelan, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Noun
The client had only given Moise his Form W-2, and Moise did not review the return with the client or give the client a copy, the factual proffer said. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024 Expert: Even 'a wink or a nod' must be disclosed The Oakland County Prosecutor's office has vehemently denied offering any school officials immunity, and maintains the proffer agreements never stated that, either. Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proffer 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English profren, from Anglo-French profrer, proffrir, porofrir, from por- forth (from Latin pro-) + offrir to offer — more at pro-

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proffer was in the 14th century

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near proffer

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

proffer

verb
prof·​fer
ˈpräf-ər
proffered; proffering
ˈpräf-(ə-)riŋ
proffer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on proffer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!