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View synonyms for defray

defray

[ dih-frey ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to bear or pay all or part of (the costs, expenses, etc.):

    The grant helped defray the expenses of the trip.



defray

/ dɪˈfreɪ /

verb

  1. tr to furnish or provide money for (costs, expenses, etc); pay


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Derived Forms

  • deˈfrayer, noun
  • deˈfrayal, noun
  • deˈfrayable, adjective

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Other Words From

  • de·fraya·ble adjective
  • de·frayer noun
  • prede·fray verb (used with object)
  • unde·frayed adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of defray1

1535–45; < Middle French défrayer, Old French deffroier to pay costs, equivalent to de- dis- 1 + frayer to bear the costs, derivative of frais, fres (plural) costs, probably < Latin frācta things broken ( fracture ), hence, expense incurred from breakage

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Word History and Origins

Origin of defray1

C16: from Old French deffroier to pay expenses, from de- dis- 1+ frai expenditure, originally: cost incurred through breaking something, from Latin frangere to break

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Example Sentences

That helps defray carbon-capture costs, though the plant is still proving expensive.

“They give grants to people to help defray the costs associated with adoption,” she says.

There is also talk of cuts to help defray the costs, but the details remain murky and unfinished.

To defray the expenses of these magazines Newport was taxed fifty pounds, and the other three towns twenty pounds each.

They have been endeavoring to collect funds enough to defray the expenses of a decent burial.

A mere trifle, I assure you; just enough to defray expenses—say—er—a hundred dollars.

Secondly, because the bill is drawn for an expense, which we have no right or authority to defray.

He added to his fair words a small purse of gold, to defray necessary expenses on the road, as a gratuity on the King's part.

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petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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defrauddefrayal