# subsidize

/ˈsəbsɪˌdaɪz/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subsidize
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to provide extra money from a government or a company to help a business or service stay cheap for people.

For teachers: to provide financial assistance to a business or service to reduce its cost to consumers or to support its operation. Often used in the context of public policy or corporate partnerships.

## Examples

- The government subsidizes public transport to keep fares low.
- The local council subsidizes the community garden to ensure that fresh produce remains affordable for all residents.
- By subsidizing the initial costs of renewable energy infrastructure, the state encourages private investment in solar and wind projects that might otherwise be too risky for individual developers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.