defray

Definition

To pay or discharge (a debt, expense etc.); to meet (the cost of something).

Etymology

From Middle French desfrayer, French défrayer, from dé- + Old French fraier (“to spend”).

Example Sentences

• "The expenses of the war, while in progress, were defrayed by executing rich men and confiscating their property."
• "Investors, meanwhile, got back a fraction of their money. Some say Mr Meinl’s €100m bail, paid by a source in Liechtenstein, should be used to defray their losses."
• "In order to help defray the substantial costs involved, they then raised revenue through taking advertisements."