defray

American  

[dih-frey] / dɪˈfreɪ /

verb (used with object)

1. to bear or pay all or part of (the costs, expenses, etc.).

   The grant helped defray the expenses of the trip.

---

defray British  

/ dɪˈfreɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to furnish or provide money for (costs, expenses, etc); pay

---

Other Word Forms

• defrayable adjective
• defrayal noun
• defrayer noun
• predefray verb (used with object)
• undefrayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of defray

1535–45; < Middle French défrayer, Old French deffroier to pay costs, equivalent to de- dis- ¹ + frayer to bear the costs, derivative of frais, fres (plural) costs, probably < Latin frācta things broken ( fracture ), hence, expense incurred from breakage

Explanation

If your mother says she will defray the cost of your next move, say thank you. She means she will take on some of the expenses for you. Your school band might hold a bake sale fundraiser to defray the cost of new band uniforms. When they do this, the amount raised will be taken off the total cost of the uniforms so that each individual band member has to pay less. If you live in New York and are invited for a job interview in California, the company may defray the expenses of your plane ticket and hotel, especially if they really want to hire you.

Example Sentences

And, in fact, it is easier to offer small raises when inflation is higher—which keeps real wage growth suppressed and helps defray some labor cost and reduce the need for mass layoffs.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

The price adjustments "defray" but do not fully cover the increase in costs, the spokesperson said.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The Washington-based PAN Foundation has provided financial assistance to patients to help defray copays and other out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Rooming with other wedding guests can defray costs.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 8, 2025

My stipend was a predetermined amount of money—based on world ranking—to defray the cost of training expenses.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad