repay

[ ri-pey ]

verb (used with object)

, re·paid, re·pay·ing.

1. to pay back or refund, as money.

   Synonyms: indemnify, reimburse

2. to make return for:

   She repaid the compliment with a smile.

3. to make return to in any way:

   We can never repay you for your help.

   Synonyms: reward, requite

4. to return:

   to repay a visit.

verb (used without object)

, re·paid, re·pay·ing.

1. to make repayment or return.

repay

/ rɪˈpeɪ /

verb

1. to pay back (money) to (a person); refund or reimburse
2. to make a return for (something) by way of compensation

   to repay kindness

Derived Forms

• reˈpayable, adjective
• reˈpayment, noun

Other Words From

• re·paya·ble adjective
• re·paya·bili·ty noun
• re·payment noun
• nonre·paya·ble adjective
• nonre·paying adjective
• unre·paid adjective
• unre·paya·ble adjective
• well-re·paid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of repay¹

From the Middle French word repaier, dating back to 1520–30. See re-, pay ¹

Example Sentences

He insisted on taking her out to dinner at a barbecue restaurant on La Brea Avenue to repay her for her help.

From Los Angeles Times

You do not repay anything if you earn less than the threshold.

From BBC

You generally repay 9% of the amount you earn over the threshold.

From BBC

The cost to repay the bond would beabout $500 million annually over the next 35 years, which would have come out of the state’s General Fund.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are shocked and surprised that despite us ramping up payments, supplies have been cut. We are ready to repay and will make alternate arrangements, but will not let any power producer hold us hostage and blackmail us,” said Fouzul Kabir Khan, energy adviser to the interim government.

From BBC

Related Words

• compensate
• offset
• pay back
• refund
• reimburse
• restore
• reward