behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhäf, 

bē-

: interest, benefit

also : support, defense

argued in his behalf

see also:

on behalf of

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.

Examples of behalf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this month, the city of Aurora accepted a grant from the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on behalf of Mutual Ground to make needed renovations. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

Universal is handling the film overseas on behalf of Lionsgate, save for Japan. —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 26 Apr. 2026

Instead of spending hours submitting individual opt-out forms, a data removal service sends removal requests to 420+ data brokers on your behalf-and keeps sending them when your data reappears. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026

First, the company engaged in interference and retaliation by issuing discipline to a bargaining committee member for attending bargaining sessions on behalf of their fellow workers — protected activity under federal law. —Christa Swanson, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from by + half half, side

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing behalf

• in behalf of someone
• in someone's behalf
• on behalf of
• on behalf of someone
• on someone's behalf

Rhymes for behalf

• carafe
• digraph
• distaff
• falstaff
• giraffe
• subgraph
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph

Kids Definition

behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhȧf

: useful aid : support

spoke in my behalf