behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf How to pronounce behalf (audio)
-ˈhäf,
bē-
: interest, benefit
also : support, defense
argued in his behalf
On Behalf of vs. in Behalf of: Usage Guide

A body of opinion favors in with the "interest, benefit" sense of behalf and on with the "support, defense" sense. This distinction has been observed by some writers but overall has never had a sound basis in actual usage. In current British use, on behalf (of) has replaced in behalf (of); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.

Phrases
on behalf of or in behalf of
: in the interest of
also : as a representative of
I wrote the letter on behalf of my client.

Examples of behalf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His direct cultivation of Trump began during a visit to the White House on behalf of the Republican Study Committee, in March, 2019. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 That was a problem, officials say in court papers, because Tango was owned by a Russian billionaire under U.S. sanctions, and doing business on his behalf violated federal law. Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 All eyes in the spaceflight community are on Starship right now, because the giant rocket-and-spaceship system has an important job to do in just a couple of years: land American astronauts on the moon on NASA’s behalf, bringing humans back to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2024 In March 2021, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration signed a memorandum on behalf of their governments on cooperation in creating an International Lunar Research Station, according to TASS. Radina Gigova, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024 The Canadian government has continued to throw its support behind the oil giant, filing amicus briefs on behalf of Enbridge that cite a 1977 treaty that prevents the interruption to the flow of oil between the U.S. and Canada. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 Some of the people revealed to have written letters on Peck’s behalf included actors James Marsden, Taran Killam, Alan Thicke, Rider Strong and Will Friedle. Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Tax relief companies work with the IRS on taxpayers’ behalf to reduce the amount of back taxes owed. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 Herron accepted on behalf of both of them, relaying a message from Smith. Caroline Brew, Variety, 3 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'behalf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from by + half half, side

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of behalf was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near behalf

Cite this Entry

“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

behalf

noun
be·​half bi-ˈhaf How to pronounce behalf (audio)
-ˈhȧf
: useful aid : support
spoke in my behalf

More from Merriam-Webster on behalf

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