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

Derived Forms

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

Other Words From

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

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

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

Example Sentences

To help defray the expense, he invited selected media outlets, including The Times, to bid on exclusive use of the photos, if the find was confirmed.

From Los Angeles Times

He also recently received a small grant with the Arts Council for Long Beach to help defray the cost for those who want to commission a micro-gallery but can’t afford the materials.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, a new tax credit defrays 30% of the costs of installing rooftop solar and battery storage.

From Salon

One is often described by the finance firms as “tips” — solicited from borrowers in acknowledgment of the service they’re being provided or to defray the cost the firms ostensibly incur by lending out at 0%.

From Los Angeles Times

To defray the cost of upgrading or replacing vending machines, some municipalities offer subsidies, but most of the cost will fall on shop owners.

From New York Times