defray

American  

[dih-frey] / dɪˈfreɪ /

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.

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defray British  

/ dɪˈfreɪ /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• defrayable adjective
• defrayal noun
• defrayer noun
• predefray verb (used with object)
• undefrayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of defray

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

Example Sentences

And, in fact, it is easier to offer small raises when inflation is higher—which keeps real wage growth suppressed and helps defray some labor cost and reduce the need for mass layoffs.

From Barron's

The price adjustments "defray" but do not fully cover the increase in costs, the spokesperson said.

From BBC

The Washington-based PAN Foundation has provided financial assistance to patients to help defray copays and other out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Installation costs can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, which is why most federal and state policies promoting heat pump adoption have focused on defraying them.

From Los Angeles Times

The company will contribute $11 million to two funds to defray costs for residents, schools and local water systems to drill replacement wells or install tanks.

From Los Angeles Times