behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhäf, 

bē-

: interest, benefit

also : support, defense

argued in his behalf

see also:

on behalf of

On Behalf of vs. in Behalf of: Usage Guide

A body of opinion favors in with the "interest, benefit" sense of behalf and on with the "support, defense" sense. This distinction has been observed by some writers but overall has never had a sound basis in actual usage. In current British use, on behalf (of) has replaced in behalf (of); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.

Examples of behalf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It was not immediately known if the teen had an attorney who might speak on his behalf. — Ellen Schmidt, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

Fans on social media took offense to Olson’s comment on Rodriguez’s behalf. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

The arbitration system Congress created to settle disputes between insurers and out-of-network providers allows doctors and resolution specialists acting on their behalf to win payments many times higher than typical rates for medical services. — Anna Schecter, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

The promise is that these agents can autonomously act on users’ behalves, from answering emails and sending invoices to booking flights and buying clothes. — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from by + half half, side

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing behalf

• in behalf of someone
• in someone's behalf
• on behalf of
• on someone's behalf

Rhymes for behalf

• carafe
• distaff
• falstaff
• giraffe
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph

Kids Definition

behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhȧf

: useful aid : support

spoke in my behalf