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First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin dēductus “brought down, withdrawn,” past participle of dēdūcere; deduce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

And in New Jersey, you can’t deduct your HSA contribution from your income, among other rules.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

With these, you have to note the initial loss and then deduct from it each year going forward.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

It springs from a landmark 1930 case involving Cohan that allows taxpayers to deduct some expenses even if they don’t have receipts, as long as there’s a reasonable estimate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 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

“We won’t blame you. We’ll just deduct it from our rent checks this month!”

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez

Related Words

• reduce
• subtract
• withdraw
• write off