Words / C1

in-DEMN-if-eye/ɪnˈdemnɪfaɪ/

To indemnify is to promise to pay for loss, damage, or legal costs: indemnify against claims, indemnify a trustee. Compensate is everyday and after the fact; a foyer disclaimer is not a signed indemnity.

Meaning

To promise to pay someone if they suffer loss, or to pay that compensation.

Examples

• “A crest on the wall does not indemnify the sitting; the insurer’s letter does.”
• “A foyer disclaimer does not indemnify the board; get the signed form.”
• “Compensate is everyday. Reimburse is the payment twin. A disclaimer is a notice. A dated form is a file. Sign the form; pin the notice if the insurers still want it seen.”

Good to know

Protect against, or pay for, loss. Everyday: compensate. A disclaimer ≠ a signed indemnity.

Near in meaning

compensate, reimburse

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