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

At trial, Basabe will have the ability to testify on his own behalf and to cross-examine witnesses called by the plaintiffs. — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Bill negotiation PocketGuard partners with Billshark, a company that negotiates for lower rates on your behalf. — Catherine Collins, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Phrase

Although Chism is on administrative leave, the deals she’s participated in negotiating on behalf of Wyandotte County will remain ongoing in her absence, the Unified Government told The Star after her arrest. — Sofi Zeman july 15, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026

Medicare regulators on Tuesday proposed to ban vendors from providing remote patient monitoring services on behalf of doctors, a major policy change for a rapidly growing care model that’s been the subject of increasing scrutiny. — Mario Aguilar, STAT, 15 July 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 behalf of someone
• 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