defund

verb

de·​fund (ˌ)dē-ˈfənd How to pronounce defund (audio)
defunded; defunding; defunds

transitive verb

: to withdraw funding from

Examples of defund in a Sentence

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.
This one might look more like 2019 or 2013, when Democrats refused GOP demands to increase border wall funding or defund Obamacare. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 30 Sep. 2025 But the moves to defund and reshape science in recent months – as well as heightened scrutiny of international students and researchers applying for visas – have already affected academic labs and left lasting uncertainties for scientists. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025 Miki Zohar threatened in a statement to defund the awards academy. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025 Television Academy Chair Cris Abrego criticized Congress for voting to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in a speech during last night’s Emmy Awards. Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defund

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defund was in 1948

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Cite this Entry

“Defund.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defund. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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