defray

verb

de·​fray di-ˈfrā 

dē-

defrayed; defraying; defrays

transitive verb

1

: to provide for the payment of : pay

sold advertising on his website to help defray the cost of running it

2

archaic : to bear the expenses of (a person)

defrayable

di-ˈfrā-ə-bəl 

dē-

adjective

defrayal

di-ˈfrā(-ə)l 

dē-

noun

Example Sentences

This will defray the costs.

Recent Examples on the Web

The package also makes several policy changes intended to defray the affordable housing crisis, including giving tenants more time to pay overdue rent and holding local jurisdictions accountable for producing more housing. —Jamie Goldberg, oregonlive, 29 Mar. 2023

But hospitals also were major financial beneficiaries of the pandemic, receiving more than $170 billion in subsidies to defray their operating losses. —David Wainer, WSJ, 4 Nov. 2022

The various efforts to defray the rising cost of gasoline come in the middle of an election year and at a time when inflation and interest rates are on the rise, elevating fears about the economic future and financial pressures on people in California and nationwide. —Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2022

In 2002, a friend of Thomas’ from the RV community who owned a Florida pest control company, Earl Dixon, offered Thomas $5,000 to help defray the costs of Martin’s education. —Propublica, Dallas News, 4 May 2023

Often viewed as a gauge for tourism health in Orlando, revenues pay for the Orange County Convention Center; fund Visit Orlando; and defray costs for Orlando’s cultural venues, including the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Amway Center and Camping World Stadium. —Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2023

Donations from the public helped defray the expense. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022

Registration is free, but monthly donations are encouraged to help defray costs. —Bill Monroe, oregonlive, 31 Mar. 2023

His family also identified him on social media and in a GoFundMe created to help defray funeral costs. —Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle French deffroyer, from des- de- + frayer to expend, from Old French, from frais, plural of fret, frait expenditure, literally, damage by breaking, from Latin fractum, neuter of fractus, past participle of frangere to break — more at break

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

defray

verb

de·​fray di-ˈfrā 

: to pay or provide for the payment of

more money to defray expenses