lend-lease

American  

[lend-lees] / ˈlɛndˈlis /

noun

1. the matériel and services supplied by the United States to its allies during World War II under an act of Congress Lend-Lease Act passed in 1941: such aid was to be repaid in kind after the war.

2. the two-way transfer of ideas, styles, etc.

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verb (used with object)

lend-leased, lend-leasing

1. to supply (matériel or services) as authorized by the Lend-Lease Act.

lend-lease British  

noun

1. (during World War II) the system organized by the US in 1941 by which equipment and services were provided for countries fighting Germany

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Etymology

Origin of lend-lease

First recorded in 1935–40

Explanation

Before the United States engaged in World War II, the government used a program called lend-lease to provide military and food aid to the Allies. Under lend-lease, the U.S. sent ammunition, tanks, and other supplies overseas. A lend-lease program involves lending goods with the understanding that they will be used to benefit the donor in some way (or sometimes, that they will eventually be returned). In World War II's lend-lease program, the U.S. gave supplies and material to several Allied nations, and in return those countries defended America from the Axis forces. It was also an indirect way for the U.S. to involve itself in the war before fully committing to fighting with the Allies.

Example Sentences

Shmyhal also said the Ukrainian government had approved a request to the U.S. government for a "gas lend-lease" arrangement to help Ukraine through what he said would be the toughest heating season in its history.

From Reuters • Jul. 26, 2022

“It’s easy for him to do it. And I think right now what we’re doing with supply and with lend-lease, with the financing is right.”

From Washington Times • May 1, 2022

House gave final passage Thursday to legislation that would streamline a World War II-era military lend-lease program to more quickly provide Ukraine and other Eastern European countries with American equipment to fight the Russian invasion.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2022

The lend-lease concept does not appear to be used or even discussed in the Ukrainian conflict.

From Washington Post • Mar. 24, 2022

We are also making arrangements under which those countries may use the lend-lease inventories in their possession and acquire surplus property abroad to assist in their economic rehabilitation and reconstruction.

From State of the Union Address by Truman, Harry S.

Related Words

• add
• afford
• allow
• contribute
• extend
• give
• grant
• impart
• provide
• supply