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

Examples of defray in a Sentence

This will defray the costs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Seek donations to defray expenses, such as renting tables and chairs. —Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 13 Aug. 2025

There are ways, however, that Disney can defray that deficit. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

That would defray a lot of reactor operating costs with enough left over for a very nice lunch with a bottle of Pol Roger Brut Champagne 1982 to wash it down. —David Szondy july 24, New Atlas, 24 July 2025

To defray some of the increase, shop around, consider bundling coverage, educate yourself on ways to qualify for a discount (security systems, paying for a full year vs. monthly, take a defensive driving course), and consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. —Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 7 July 2025

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

Rhymes for defray

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

defray

verb

de·​fray di-ˈfrā 

: to pay or provide for the payment of

more money to defray expenses