indemnity

noun

in·​dem·​ni·​ty in-ˈdem-nə-tē 

plural indemnities

1

a

: security against hurt, loss, or damage

b

: exemption from incurred penalties or liabilities

An action to enforce indemnity from liability accrues when the event for which indemnity is due occurs …

—Travelers Ins. v. LV French Truck Serv., 770 P.2d 551 (1988)

2

a

: indemnification sense 1

b

: something that indemnifies

3

: fee-for-service

—usually used attributively

an indemnity plan

Synonyms of indemnity

• compensation
• damages
• reparation
• indemnification

Examples of indemnity in a Sentence

an agreement providing indemnity against prosecution

has paid $2 million in indemnities

Recent Examples on the Web

After breaking the shackles of slavery, Haiti was forced to pay France an indemnity of 150 million francs in exchange for its recognition as a new nation. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026

Employees are asked to evaluate life insurance, disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity plans, and other voluntary benefits within a relatively short period of time. — Orla Nixon, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Reparations serve as redress—indemnity through compensation, addressing grievances, and tending to wounds. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026

Why Traditional Protections Fall Short Historically, small-deal buyers have relied on seller indemnities to bridge this gap. — Bhaskar Ahuja, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing indemnity

• double indemnity

Rhymes for indemnity

• solemnity

Kids Definition

indemnity

noun

in·​dem·​ni·​ty in-ˈdem-nət-ē 

plural indemnities

1

: protection from loss, damage, or injury : insurance

2

: freedom from penalty for past offenses

3

: something given to make up for loss, damage, or injury

Medical Definition

indemnity

adjective

in·​dem·​ni·​ty in-ˈdem-nət-ē 

: fee-for-service

an indemnity plan

indemnity insurance

Legal Definition

indemnity

noun

in·​dem·​ni·​ty in-ˈdem-nə-tē 

plural indemnities

1

a

: security against hurt, loss, or damage

b

: exemption from incurred penalties or liabilities

2

a

: indemnification sense 1

b

: something (as a payment) that indemnifies compare contribution