defray
UK: dɪˈfreɪ | US: dɪˈfreɪ
vt. to provide money to cover a cost or expense
defray = de<down, away> + fray<expense>
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "down" or "away," often used to indicate removal or reversal.
- fray: Derived from Old French frai (expense, cost), which traces back to Latin fractum (broken, spent).
Etymology Origin:
The word defray entered English in the late 15th century from Old French defrayer, meaning "to pay expenses." The prefix de- emphasizes the act of settling or removing a financial burden (fray). Historically, it was used in contexts where costs were "broken down" or covered, reflecting its Latin roots in fractum (spent money).
The company agreed to defray the travel expenses for the conference.
Grants were provided to defray the cost of research equipment.
He offered to defray part of the medical bills for the family.
The scholarship defrays tuition fees for low-income students.
Crowdfunding helped defray the production costs of the independent film.