behalf

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.

Examples of behalf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Media outlets reported two law firms had filed a class action lawsuit against GKN Aerospace on behalf of two residents under evacuation order. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 May 2026

The Colorado State Patrol recently agreed to settle a civil complaint filed on behalf of a man who criticized the agency on one of its social media platforms. —Logan Smith, CBS News, 24 May 2026

The procurement was awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of the UK to ARTEC GmbH, the KNDS–Rheinmetall joint venture behind the system. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 May 2026

The organization negotiated a debt management plan with Devaney's creditors on his behalf. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 24 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from by + half half, side

First Known Use

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