Defray Meaning
/dɪˈfɹeɪ/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo pay or discharge (a debt, expense etc.); to meet (the cost of something).
verbTo pay for (something).
Sentence Examples
The government was compelled to defray the costs of the war.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The government will ____ the costs of the new public transportation project.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The government was compelled to ____ the costs of the war.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French desfrayer, French défrayer, from dé- + Old French fraier (“to spend”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The expenses of the war, while in progress, were defrayed by executing rich men and confiscating their property."
— 1946, Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, I.29:
"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."
— 2009 July 30, ‘A Viennese grind’, The Economist:
"In order to help defray the substantial costs involved, they then raised revenue through taking advertisements."
— 2010 December 9, Roy Greenslade, The Guardian:
"With his legal maneuverings, Trump is showing that he also understands the implications of this election — one that could give him substantial powers as president to defray or dismiss many of the legal threats that he’s facing and to behave in office without future accountability."
— 2024 February 5, Stephen Collinson, “Trump’s legal battles are at a critical moment with major implications for the 2024 election”, in CNN:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The government will ____ the costs of the new public transportation project.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The government was compelled to ____ the costs of the war.