verb
defray
Defray (verb) means to provide the money needed to cover a debt or expense.
verb
1
To provide the money needed to cover a debt or expense.
"In order to help defray the substantial costs involved, they then raised revenue through taking advertisements."
— Roy Greenslade, The Guardian (2010)
"The expenses of the war, while in progress, were defrayed by executing rich men and confiscating their property."
— Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy (1946)
"Investors, meanwhile, got back a fraction of their money. Some say Mr Meinl’s €100m bail, paid by a source in Liechtenstein, should be used to defray their losses."
— ‘A Viennese grind’, The Economist (2009)
2
To provide the money to pay for something.
3
To use money by spending it.
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Etymology
Defray comes from Middle French desfrayer (French défrayer), formed from dé- and Old French fraier (“to spend”).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for defray
See all rhymes for defray →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of defray?
"defray" (verb) means to provide the money needed to cover a debt or expense.
What is another word for defray?
Other words for "defray" include finance.
What are the different meanings of defray?
"defray" has 3 main meanings: 1. To provide the money needed to cover a debt or expense; 2. To provide the money to pay for something; 3. To use money by spending it.
