indemnify
in-DEM-nih-fye
/ɪnˈdemnɪfaɪ/
To compensate someone for harm or loss; to secure someone against legal responsibility for their actions.
This is a very specific legal term. It’s often about insurance or contracts where one party promises to pay if something goes wrong.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'indemnis,' meaning 'unhurt' or 'free from loss.' To indemnify someone is to make them 'un-damaged.'
Word relationships
- insure: Insure is the general service; indemnify is the specific legal promise to pay.
- incriminate: To make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
Commonly confused with
- compensate: Compensate is paying for what happened; indemnify is often a promise to pay if something happens.
Word family
- indemnity (noun): Security or protection against a loss or other financial burden.
Collocations
- indemnify against loss
- indemnity clause
- fully indemnify
Example sentences
- "The contract includes a clause to indemnify the agent against any losses." A business contract.
- "The insurance policy will indemnify the homeowner in the event of a fire." Insurance context.
Memory hook
Indemnify = 'In-Damage-Free'. You make sure they are free from damage or loss. Protection from loss.
When not to use
Never use this in a casual or emotional context. You don't 'indemnify' a friend for being late.
Fun facts
- The word 'damage' and 'damn' share the same Latin root 'damnum.' To damn someone was originally to 'damage' their soul.
Related words
Explore more words
indemnification, indemnity, reimbursement, insurance, restitution
Also appears in
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