reimburse

UK: ˌriːɪmˈbɜːs | US: ˌriːɪmˈbɜːrs

Definition

  1. vt. to repay (someone) for money spent or lost

  2. vt. to compensate (an expense or loss)

Structure
re <again>im <in>burse <purse>re <again>im <in>burse <purse>
Etymology

The word "reimburse" originated in the early 17th century, combining "re-" (indicating restoration) with "imburse" (an archaic term meaning "to put money into a purse"). The logic reflects "putting money back into someone's purse," evolving into its modern sense of repaying expenses.

Examples

  1. The company will reimburse your travel expenses.

  2. She submitted receipts to be reimbursed for the conference fees.

  3. Employees must file a claim to get reimbursed.

  4. The insurance policy reimburses medical costs.

  5. He was fully reimbursed after the billing error was corrected.