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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During Wednesday's hearing, attorney Brandon Waterman argued on behalf of the Justice Department that the venue for the deportation fight should be moved from New York City to Louisiana or New Jersey because those are the locations where Khalil has been held. — arkansasonline.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Internet users are outraged on behalf of a woman who planned to announce her pregnancy at her wedding, only for her sister to get there first with her own news. — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 Another of Sullivan’s attorneys, Jason Spilka, said the legal team plans to enter a not guilty plea on her behalf. — Michelle Krupa, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025 The decision comes as a result of a lawsuit brought by a group of unions and civic groups on behalf of workers fired from a host of agencies and sub-agencies. — Emily Feng, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for behalf

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

Phrases Containing behalf

Rhymes for behalf

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Browse Nearby Words

behalf
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Cite this Entry

“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of behalf for Spanish Speakers

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