behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhäf, 

bē-

: interest, benefit

also : support, defense

argued in his behalf

see also:

on behalf of

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.

Examples of behalf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rocket Money's Premium tier is able to cancel eligible unwanted subscriptions on your behalf and, with a Premium+ account, Rocket Money can negotiate certain recurring bills on your behalf, including cable, internet, phone and home security. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

The organization advocating on his behalf said Gilman had been tortured in Russian detention. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

According to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that Williams was there to sign on behalf of the federal government, some nuclear-security research may take place at Pacific Fusion’s future facility. — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

In Israel’s first decades, most Palestinian votes went to the Jewish-Arab Communist Party, in its various incarnations, or to Arab lists – parties affiliated with the ruling Labor movement and acting on its behalf. — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

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
• on someone's behalf

Rhymes for behalf

• carafe
• distaff
• falstaff
• giraffe
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph

Kids Definition

behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhȧf

: useful aid : support

spoke in my behalf