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

L.A. officials have long expressed concern that Trump and Congress might belatedly yank away $1 billion already set aside to reimburse state and local governments for security, planning and other Olympics-related costs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

BBC Scotland understands the company will not attempt to claim furlough money to help reimburse it for the wages of those staff who are now under threat.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“All these extra costs that our local law enforcement have incurred,” she said, “they should reimburse us.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Many state bar associations have client security funds or similar services that exist to reimburse clients like you who have had funds embezzled or otherwise stolen by dishonest attorneys.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

And the sweetest part of the whole deal was that there really was no need to reimburse the government at all.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Related Words

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