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

Presenter Wendi McLendon-Covey accepted the award on Reiner’s behalf; the audience gave his win a standing ovation. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026

Real alignment means every investor, early or late, is evaluating the same set of decisions with the same information, not inheriting conclusions someone else reached on their behalf. — Peter Doyle, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Phrase

Rob Williams, President of Sumerian Pictures, negotiated the acquisition on behalf of Sumerian Pictures with Jessica Lacy of Gersh on behalf of the filmmakers. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

Lawyers suing on behalf of Pacific Palisades residents have argued that the city and DWP are liable, in part because the reservoir was empty and fire hydrants failed. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 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