indemnify

/ɪnˌdɛmnəˈfaɪ/

/ɪnˈdɛmnɪfaɪ/

Other forms: indemnified; indemnifying; indemnifies

To pay compensation for a loss, damages, or similar expense is to indemnify. "The insurance company indemnified its customers for their claims after the severe storm — one customer lost three cars, a row boat, and a golf cart."

The verb indemnify also means to secure against future loss. The farmers bought insurance to indemnify themselves and their animals against catastrophic loss. The word indemnify comes from the Latin word indemnis, which means "to unhurt." The city wanted to shut down an old local landmark because they were afraid it no longer met modern safety standards, but local citizens wanted it to remain. In a compromise, the owners agreed to indemnify the city against possible loss and the landmark was allowed to remain.

Definitions of indemnify

1. verb

   secure against future loss, damage, or liability; give security for
   “This plan indemnifies workers against wages lost through illness”

   type of:

   cover, insure, underwrite

   protect by insurance
2. verb

   make amends for; pay compensation for
   synonyms: compensate, recompense, repair

   types:

   give

   deliver in exchange or recompense

   type of:

   pay

   give money, usually in exchange for goods or services