indemnify
UK: ɪnˈdɛmnɪfaɪ | US: ɪnˈdɛmnɪfaɪ
vt. to compensate for damage, loss, or injury; to secure against legal liability
vt. to promise protection or exemption from penalties
indemnify = in<not> + demn<harm> + ify<make>
- in- (prefix): from Latin "in-" meaning "not" or "without."
- demn (root): from Latin "damnum" meaning "harm" or "loss."
- -ify (suffix): from Latin "-ificare," meaning "to make" or "cause to become."
Etymology Origin:
The word "indemnify" traces back to Latin indemnis ("unharmed"), combining in- (negation) + damnum ("loss"). The suffix -ify was later added in English to form a verb meaning "to make free from harm." Historically, it evolved through legal contexts, reflecting the idea of compensating or shielding someone from financial or legal damage.
The insurance policy will indemnify the homeowner against flood damage.
The company agreed to indemnify its employees for any legal fees incurred.
The treaty sought to indemnify the defeated nation from further penalties.
Contractors are often required to indemnify clients for workplace accidents.
The warranty does not indemnify users for misuse of the product.