reimburse

[ree-im-burs]

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.

reimburse

/ ˌriːɪmˈbɜːs /

verb

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

   your fare will be reimbursed after your interview

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of reimburse¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of reimburse¹

C17: from _re- + imburse , from Medieval Latin imbursāre to put in a moneybag, from bursa _purse

Example Sentences

Now, current Commissioner Ricardo Lara wants to more tightly regulate the process and make it harder for so-called “intervenors” to get reimbursed for their work.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

State money accounts for $11.2 billion and the remaining difference is reimbursed with federal funding because it’s used to cover emergency services, Palmer explained.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But, as you now know, money withheld while working will be reimbursed when you reach FRA.

Read more on MarketWatch

Prosecutors say he recruited straw donors—who were reimbursed for their contributions—on behalf of an associate trying to secure access to the Mar-a-Lago event for a Chinese national.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This reimburses you for nonrefundable travel expenses like prepaid vacation packages or vacation rentals, cruises, tours, tickets and transportation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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