deduct

American  

[dih-duhkt] / dɪˈdʌkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to take away, as from a sum or amount.

   Once you deduct your expenses, there is nothing left.

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verb (used without object)

1. detract; abate (usually followed byfrom ).

   The rocky soil deducts from the value of his property.

deduct British  

/ dɪˈdʌkt /

verb

1. (tr) to take away or subtract (a number, quantity, part, etc)

   income tax is deducted from one's wages

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Related Words

See subtract.

Other Word Forms

• prededuct verb (used with object)
• undeducted adjective

Etymology

Origin of deduct

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin dēductus “brought down, withdrawn,” past participle of dēdūcere; deduce

Example Sentences

Donor-advised funds make this easier, letting you deduct now and distribute later.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

If you place qualifying equipment or assets in service after Jan. 19, 2026, you may deduct the full cost immediately.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

A 22-year-old Kabul University student said lecturers "have warned us... that if we don't have a proper Islamic appearance, which includes beards and head covering, they will deduct our marks".

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Leicester City have appealed against a decision to deduct them six points for breaching English Football League financial rules.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Ned wouldn’t even have to worry about handling the six dollars—Holmes would deduct it from the new eighteen-dollar salary each week, automatically.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

• reduce
• subtract
• withdraw
• write off