proffer

1 of 2

verb

prof·​fer ˈprä-fər 

proffered; proffering ˈprä-f(ə-)riŋ 

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

: offer, suggestion

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.

Synonyms

Verb

• extend
• give
• offer
• tender
• trot out

Noun

• offer
• proposal
• proposition
• suggestion

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

Verb

Thinking back to the example, the initial ideas proffered were not viable by themselves. —Hunter McMahon, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

These collaborations have helped proffer solutions to complex health issues. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

Noun

Prosecutors have taken the position that while Davis may have discussed or signed a proffer agreement granting him immunity for some of his statements, his subsequent media interviews and tell-all memoir are clearly fair game. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2025

Arnold now argues the original proffer should still hold now. —Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 6 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing proffer

• proffer agreement
• proffer letter
• proffer session

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Kids Definition

proffer

verb

prof·​fer

ˈpräf-ər

proffered; proffering

ˈpräf-(ə-)riŋ

: offer entry 1 sense 2

proffer noun