reimburse

[ ree-im-burs ]

verb (used with object)

, re·im·bursed, re·im·burs·ing.

1. to make repayment to for expense or loss incurred:

   The insurance company reimbursed him for his losses in the fire.

   Synonyms: redress, recoup, indemnify, remunerate, recompense

2. to pay back; refund; repay.

reimburse

/ ˌriːɪmˈbɜːs /

verb

1. tr to repay or compensate (someone) for (money already spent, losses, damages, etc)

   your fare will be reimbursed after your interview

Derived Forms

• ˌreimˈbursement, noun
• ˌreimˈburser, noun
• ˌreimˈbursable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·im·burs·a·ble adjective
• re·im·burse·ment noun
• re·im·burs·er noun
• non·re·im·bursed adjective
• un·re·im·burs·a·ble adjective
• un·re·im·bursed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reimburse¹

First recorded in 1605–15; re- + obsolete imburse “to put into a purse, pay,” from Medieval Latin imbursāre, equivalent to Latin im- im- ¹ + Medieval Latin -bursāre, derivative of bursa “bag” ( purse )

Word History and Origins

Origin of reimburse¹

C17: from re- + imburse , from Medieval Latin imbursāre to put in a moneybag, from bursa purse

Example Sentences

Although third sector groups are often hired by local authorities to provide public services, they are not currently expected to be reimbursed for the higher National Insurance contributions under Labour's plans.

From BBC

The company wants to be reimbursed for that outlay, too.

From BBC

Secret Service spokesperson, who acknowledged the "critical need" for a mechanism to reimburse cities for public safety costs and first responder overtime pay.

From Salon

Cala say they apologised for the accidental damage to Nick’s table and reimbursed him in full.

From BBC

The Guillen family attorney told The Atlantic they were never reimbursed for the funeral.

From Salon

Related Words

• compensate
• indemnify
• offset
• pay
• refund
• repay
• restore