defray /dɪˈfɹeɪ/ verb3 •To pay or discharge (a debt, expense etc.); to meet (the cost of something).The expenses of the war, while in progress, were defrayed by executing rich men and confiscating their property. — 1946 •(no longer used) To pay for (something). •(no longer used) To spend (money). formsdefrayed · defraying · defrays