repay

[ri-pey]

verb (used with object)

repaid, repaying 

1. to pay back or refund, as money.

   Synonyms: indemnify, reimburse

2. to make return for.

   She repaid the compliment with a smile.

3. to make return to in any way.

   We can never repay you for your help.

   Synonyms: reward, requite

4. to return.

   to repay a visit.

verb (used without object)

repaid, repaying 

1. to make repayment or return.

repay

/ rɪˈpeɪ /

verb

1. to pay back (money) to (a person); refund or reimburse

2. to make a return for (something) by way of compensation

   to repay kindness

Other Word Forms

• repayable adjective
• repayment noun
• repayability noun
• nonrepayable adjective
• nonrepaying adjective
• unrepaid adjective
• unrepayable adjective
• well-repaid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of repay¹

From the Middle French word repaier, dating back to 1520–30. See re-, pay ¹

Example Sentences

Although Thailand’s economic growth is weak, continuous low employment and declining interest rates would help the banks’ clients repay their loans.

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That would boost Argentina’s reserves of foreign currency, which is crucial to absorbing economic shocks and repaying the country’s billions of dollars in foreign debt.

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Hamilton helped put a halt to the uprising, holding that all contracted debt had to be repaid.

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Instead he seems intent on repaying his enemies in kind.

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It is up to the employee to contact their state’s labor department and repay in accordance with the rules.

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Related Words

• compensate 
• offset 
• pay back 
• refund 
• reimburse 
• restore 
• reward