indemnify

[in-dem-nuh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

indemnified, indemnifying 

1. to compensate for damage or loss sustained, expense incurred, etc.

   Synonyms: repay, reimburse, recompense

2. to guard or secure against anticipated loss; give security against (future damage or liability).

indemnify

/ ɪnˈdɛmnɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to secure against future loss, damage, or liability; give security for; insure

2. to compensate for loss, injury, expense, etc; reimburse

Other Word Forms

• indemnifier noun
• preindemnify verb (used with object)
• unindemnified adjective
• indemnification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indemnify¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin indemni(s) “without loss” ( indemnity ) + -fy

Example Sentences

He also didn’t feel comfortable signing the liability waiver that would indemnify the federal government and contractors in the event of mistakes.

From Los Angeles Times

Companies can indemnify executives, even for criminal charges, she said, though this would typically be in cases of white-collar crime such as fraud and not sex trafficking.

From BBC

Earlier this month, Mr Jeffries sued A&F after it refused to pay his criminal defence costs, arguing the brand had agreed to indemnify him for all claims arising out of his position.

From BBC

"I'm going to indemnify all police officers and law enforcement officials throughout the United States to protect them from being destroyed by the radical left for taking strong actions on crime," Trump vowed.

From Salon

What you end up doing with that knowledge, we hereby indemnify ourselves of, formally.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does indemnify mean?

To indemnify is to insure someone against potential damages or loss or to compensate someone for damages or money spent.Insurance coverage indemnifies a person by insuring them for certain potential situations, such as damages to their property from natural disasters or accidents. Indemnify is commonly used in legal contracts to secure protection against being sued or held responsible for an accident. The noun form of indemnify is indemnity, which refers to such protection and is often used in phrases like indemnity clause.Example: The whole purpose of car insurance is to indemnify you in case you get into an accident—buying insurance after an accident happens won’t cover you.