repay

American  

[ri-pey] / rɪˈpeɪ /

verb (used with object)

repaid, repaying

1. to pay back or refund, as money.

   Synonyms:

   indemnify, reimburse

2. to make return for.

   She repaid the compliment with a smile.

3. to make return to in any way.

   We can never repay you for your help.

   Synonyms:

   reward, requite

4. to return.

   to repay a visit.

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verb (used without object)

repaid, repaying

1. to make repayment or return.

repay British  

/ rɪˈpeɪ /

verb

1. to pay back (money) to (a person); refund or reimburse

2. to make a return for (something) by way of compensation

   to repay kindness

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Other Word Forms

• nonrepayable adjective
• nonrepaying adjective
• repayability noun
• repayable adjective
• repayment noun
• unrepaid adjective
• unrepayable adjective
• well-repaid adjective

Etymology

Origin of repay

From the Middle French word repaier, dating back to 1520–30. See re-, pay ¹

Example Sentences

Veron said so far the EU has used the European budget and in particular unspent sums to provide guarantees that the debt will be repaid.

From Barron's

“Thank you. I don’t know how to repay you.”

From Literature

Some borrowers of loans backing the new Ledn bonds topped up and others repaid them early, avoiding liquidation and keeping control of their crypto, the person familiar with the transaction said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The son of a Philadelphia shopkeeper, Schwarzman grew up watching his father extend credit to newly arrived immigrants to be repaid when they could, he recalled in his Giving Pledge letter.

From The Wall Street Journal

He now wants us to sell the condo to repay him.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• compensate
• offset
• pay back
• refund
• reimburse
• restore
• reward