defray

verb

de·​fray di-ˈfrā How to pronounce defray (audio)
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 adjective
defrayal noun

Examples of defray in a Sentence

This will defray the costs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nearly 60,000 customers have submitted applications since ComEd opened the window last week for the one-time grant, which was created to defray rising electric supply charges during peak air conditioning season. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025 Crestfallen fans have begun demanding refunds for hundreds of dollars in ticket purchases to defray irrecoverable travel and lodging costs. Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 11 July 2025 There would be an enhanced deduction, of $4,000, for seniors of certain income levels, to help defray taxes on Social Security income. Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025 In 2022, Idaho Governor Brad Little had committed up to $1 million in emergency funds to support the manhunt and investigation, which has helped defray some of the expense. Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for defray

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of defray was in 1536

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defray. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

defray

verb
de·​fray di-ˈfrā How to pronounce defray (audio)
: to pay or provide for the payment of
more money to defray expenses

More from Merriam-Webster on defray

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!