Word
indemnify
Phoneticsin·dem·ni·fy, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈdɛmnəˌfaɪ/
UK/ˌɪndˈɛmnɪfˌaɪ/
Definition
v. to pay someone for loss or damage, or to promise to protect them if they lose money. You see this word in insurance papers and work contracts.
v. to compensate for loss or damage suffered, or to undertake to protect against future loss or liability. Takes a direct object, often followed by 'against' or 'for' to specify the risk covered.
Examples
“The company indemnifies workers for travel costs.”
“The rental contract says the firm will indemnify the driver against damage caused during the move.”
“Under the merger agreement, the seller agrees to indemnify the buyer for any tax debts that arose before the sale closed.”
Examples
simple
“The company indemnifies workers for travel costs.”
contextual
“The rental contract says the firm will indemnify the driver against damage caused during the move.”
complex
“Under the merger agreement, the seller agrees to indemnify the buyer for any tax debts that arose before the sale closed.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “indemnify” in context.
Verb
01. agree to indemnify
“The supplier agreed to indemnify the retailer against faulty products.”
verb + to + verb
02. indemnify against liability
“The clause serves to indemnify partners against liability for errors.”
verb + prep + noun
03. indemnify against loss
“The policy will indemnify the owner against loss from theft.”
verb + prep + noun
04. indemnify employee
“The agreement requires the firm to indemnify employees for work injuries.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. adequately indemnify
“The contract did not adequately indemnify staff against legal claims.”
adv + verb
06. fully indemnify
“The insurer agreed to fully indemnify the builder for fire damage.”
adv + verb
Noun
07. agreement to indemnify
“They signed an agreement to indemnify subcontractors for delays.”
noun + to + verb
08. duty to indemnify
“The insurer has a duty to indemnify policyholders after proven damage.”
noun + to + verb
09. agree to indemnify against claims
“The manufacturer agreed to indemnify the distributor against third-party claims.”
10. fully indemnify for legal expenses
“The policy will fully indemnify directors for legal expenses incurred.”
11. hold harmless and indemnify
“The tenant agreed to hold harmless and indemnify the landlord for damages.”
12. indemnify against all losses
“This warranty will indemnify the buyer against all losses during transit.”
Usage
Takes a direct object, often followed by 'against' or 'for' to specify the risk covered.
Etymology
From indemn (“unhurt”) + -ify (forming verbs)
From in- (“into”) + damnify (“to injure; to wrong”), assimilated to indemn and indemnify (“secure against loss; compensate, reimburse”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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