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

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

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

He ordered his secretary to reimburse the fees and will issue a correction to his political funds reports.

From The Daily Beast

They deserve to be the first people these campaigns reimburse.

From The Daily Beast

Nelson told Politico that he has already returned $500,000 to the group—and said he may reimburse it for more.

From The Daily Beast

She promised to increase taxes on poor people and said Iraq should reimburse the United States for the cost of “liberating” it.

From The Daily Beast

CBS has agreed to reimburse the EPA for cleanup at Lemon Lane, the Bennett Stone Quarry, and Neal's Landfill.

From The Daily Beast

In order to reimburse himself in some measure for this loss Burbage retained £30 of the rental due to Alleyn.

From Project Gutenberg

The Commissioners strongly recommended the exemption of the putative father from any legal obligation to reimburse the parish.

From Project Gutenberg

He suffered much loss by reason of Indian invasions, and preferred a claim to Congress for a large sum of money to reimburse him.

From Project Gutenberg

Their plans had failed, and now the thought probably was to reimburse themselves out of the government.

From Project Gutenberg

We were mighty proud of Dee, her reimburse sounded so grown-up and business-like, but Mrs. Rand seemed not one whit impressed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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