reimburse

American  

[ree-im-burs] / ˌri ɪmˈbɜrs /

verb (used with object)

reimbursed, reimbursing

1. to make repayment to for expense or loss incurred.

   The insurance company reimbursed him for his losses in the fire.

   Synonyms:

   redress, recoup, indemnify, remunerate, recompense

2. to pay back; refund; repay.

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reimburse British  

/ ˌriːɪmˈbɜːs /

verb

1. (tr) to repay or compensate (someone) for (money already spent, losses, damages, etc)

   your fare will be reimbursed after your interview

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Other Word Forms

• nonreimbursed adjective
• reimbursable adjective
• reimbursement noun
• reimburser noun
• unreimbursable adjective
• unreimbursed adjective

Etymology

Origin of reimburse

First recorded in 1605–15; re- + obsolete imburse “to put into a purse, pay,” from Medieval Latin imbursāre, equivalent to Latin im- im- ¹ + Medieval Latin -bursāre, derivative of bursa “bag” ( purse )

Example Sentences

The federal check now in deferment limbo was supposed to reimburse the state for the federal government’s share of that spending.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 2017, Epstein emailed Gates and asked to be reimbursed for the course.

From The Wall Street Journal

FBI directors are banned from flying commercially due to security concerns, but must reimburse the government for personal use of the plane at the price of an airline ticket.

From BBC

Woldenberg does, however, expect the government to reimburse companies for the tariffs they have paid.

From The Wall Street Journal

The software was discounted to make it easier for students to purchase, Riki said, but it was not reimbursed.

From BBC

Related Words

• compensate
• indemnify
• offset
• pay
• refund
• repay
• restore