repay
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to pay back (money) to (a person); refund or reimburse
-
to make a return for (something) by way of compensation
to repay kindness
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of repay
From the Middle French word repaier, dating back to 1520–30. See re-, pay 1
Explanation
When you give someone money that you owe them, you repay them. A bank may loan you money to buy a new car, but you'll have to repay the money, plus interest. You might repay a bank loan, or repay your brother the dollar you borrowed last week. You can also repay things other than money: "How will I ever repay your kindness and support?" Repay comes from the French repaier, with its "back" prefix re- and payer, "to pay."
Vocabulary lists containing repay
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Our pledge is simple – to repay people's trust in us as quickly as we can, bringing the nation together. A new era of leadership starts today," he said.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
The government may have to repay hundreds of millions of pounds of British Steel’s debts to the Chinese parent company.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
Inspire Brands plans to use proceeds to repay debt under its term loan facility.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026
The agreement was, if she borrowed £50, she would repay £100.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
Betty Jean took a moment to think, then said, “Would a dollar a week be okay? I know it’ll take almost a year for us to repay you, but...”
From "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
