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

Related Words

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