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

Former Vice President Al Gore accepted the award on behalf of the Redford family. —Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025

Residents not only recognized the importance of nonprofits but reported trusting them more than any other sector to act on the public’s behalf and deliver quality services. —Nonprofit Institute, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2025

The legal complaint filed on behalf of his children says that Reyes was believed to be in a mental health crisis, and a family member called 911 to get help, which led to the police involvement. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Dec. 2025

Their attorneys entered not guilty pleas on their behalf. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025

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 someone's behalf

Rhymes for behalf

• carafe
• digraph
• distaff
• falstaff
• giraffe
• subgraph
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph

Kids Definition

behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhȧf

: useful aid : support

spoke in my behalf