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

At least three lawsuits have been filed against ByHeart on behalf of families in Eatonville Washington; Richmond, Kentucky; and Flagstaff, Arizona. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 23 Nov. 2025

Namely, the potential competition-flattening effects of an enterprise that pools capital, technology, and purchasing clout on behalf of a half-dozen rivals? —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025

The devices can also now connect to external services to take actions on users’ behalf. —Jaures Yip,kif Leswing,annie Palmer,jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 22 Nov. 2025

Redford wrote a letter on behalf of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #9, last month requesting federal aid and National Guard deployment due partly to police staffing shortages. —Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 22 Nov. 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