defray

de·fray | \ di-ˈfrā

How to pronounce defray (audio)

, dē- \

defrayed; defraying; defrays

Definition of defray

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)

Other Words from defray More Example Sentences Learn More about defray

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Examples of defray in a Sentence

This will defray the costs.

Recent Examples on the Web One analyst said an $80 million upfront payment from a potential franchisee could help defray the deficit but cautioned the payments can be spread out for as long as 10 years. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Details of the bids offered to win San Diego’s electric and gas franchise agreement coming Thursday," 15 Dec. 2020 The online portal still showed him owing $14,990 and the state agency would collect that overpayment as his benefits resumed: Since September, all of Ghabboun’s unemployment benefits have been intercepted by the state and used to defray his debt. — Ava Kofman, oregonlive, "Small error leaves out-of-work Washington state man with demand to pay back $14k in unemployment benefits," 31 Oct. 2020 The online portal still showed him owing $14,990 and the state agency would collect that overpayment as his benefits resumed: Since September, all of Ghabboun’s unemployment benefits have been intercepted by the state and used to defray his debt. — Ava Kofman, oregonlive, "Small error leaves out-of-work Washington state man with demand to pay back $14k in unemployment benefits," 31 Oct. 2020 Also of concern is whether FEMA will make a separate declaration that will allow homeowners access to the Individual Assistance program, which can help homeowners defray the costs of repairing damage roofs and other structures during the hurricane. — al, "Alabama cities struggle with Hurricane Zeta debris cleanup," 24 Nov. 2020 Arizona's $5 million share will be placed into the AG's consumer-protection fund to defray the costs of the investigation as well as to pursue additional cases. — Brieanna J. Frank, The Arizona Republic, "Arizona to get $5 million in settlement with Apple over throttling iPhone speeds," 20 Nov. 2020 Linfield, which has had 64 consecutive winning seasons in football, is fundraising to defray testing costs. — oregonlive, "When will Oregon’s non-NCAA Division I schools resume interscholastic athletics? It’s complicated," 31 Oct. 2020 The online portal still showed him owing $14,990 and the state agency would collect that overpayment as his benefits resumed: Since September, all of Ghabboun’s unemployment benefits have been intercepted by the state and used to defray his debt. — Ava Kofman, ProPublica, "He Made a Minor Mistake Filling Out an Unemployment Form. Then the State Demanded $14,990 From Him.," 29 Oct. 2020 Proceeds will be used to help defray the cost of medical expenses, basic shelter operations, food and supplies at the all-volunteer shelter, Pasta is shipped within three to five days from Nashville, Tennessee. — Carol Kovach, cleveland, "Annual animal blessing draws masked, socially distanced group to St. Bridget of Kildare in Parma: Sun Postings," 5 Oct. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'defray.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

15 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Defray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defray. Accessed 23 Jan. 2021.

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