behalf

1 of 2

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhäf, 

bē-

: interest, benefit

also : support, defense

argued in his behalf

see also:

on behalf of

On Behalf of vs. in Behalf of: Usage Guide

A body of opinion favors in with the "interest, benefit" sense of behalf and on with the "support, defense" sense. This distinction has been observed by some writers but overall has never had a sound basis in actual usage. In current British use, on behalf (of) has replaced in behalf (of); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.

on behalf of

2 of 2

phrase

variants or on someone's behalf

1

also US in behalf of someone or in someone's behalf : as a representative of someone

The teacher accepted the award on behalf of the class. = The teacher accepted the award on the class's behalf.

2

also US in behalf of someone or in someone's behalf : for the benefit of someone : in support of someone

She spoke in behalf of the other candidate.

They're willing to do anything on their child's behalf.

3

: because of someone : to please someone

Don't get up on my behalf.

Examples of behalf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Rocket Money's Premium tier is able to cancel eligible unwanted subscriptions on your behalf and, with a Premium+ account, Rocket Money can negotiate certain recurring bills on your behalf, including cable, internet, phone and home security. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

The organization advocating on his behalf said Gilman had been tortured in Russian detention. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Phrase

The leader of the organization that advocates on behalf of California’s 58 counties — who was recently placed on administrative leave — is stepping down. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Donzelli was instrumental in winning the bidding war for the book’s rights that were negotiated by Claire Sabatié-Garat of the Italian Literary Agency on behalf of Latronico and the producers. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from by + half half, side

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing behalf

• in behalf of someone
• in someone's behalf
• on behalf of
• on someone's behalf

Rhymes for behalf

• carafe
• distaff
• falstaff
• giraffe
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph

Kids Definition

behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhȧf

: useful aid : support

spoke in my behalf