Indemnify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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indemnify
[ɪnˈdɛmnɪfaɪ ]
Definition
legal
To protect someone against possible loss or damage by promising to compensate them if something goes wrong.
Synonyms
compensate, reimburse, secure.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| indemnify |
Used in legal or formal contexts when securing someone against legal responsibility for their actions or providing compensation for damages or losses.
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| compensate |
Used when someone is given money or benefits to account for a loss, damage, or injury. It can also refer to making up for something by providing an equivalent.
|
| reimburse |
Used when repaying someone money they have spent on your behalf. It often involves expenses that need to be paid back.
|
| secure |
Used when ensuring safety or protection from potential harm or danger. Can also mean obtaining something, often with effort.
|
Examples of usage
- Before starting the project, the contractor had to indemnify the client against any potential legal claims.
- If you want to rent a car, you may be required to indemnify the rental company against damages.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- Indemnification clauses are common in contracts to allocate risk between parties.
- In insurance, indemnification ensures the insured party is compensated for losses, allowing financial recovery.
- Some jurisdictions allow for 'indemnity' agreements to protect employees against liabilities incurred during work.
Pop Culture
- In movies, contracts often include indemnification clauses to protect producers from lawsuits by involved parties.
- Popular TV legal dramas frequently showcase indemnity in the context of client-attorney relationships.
- Indemnify has also appeared in music lyrics, symbolizing protection in relationships or life challenges.
Economics
- Indemnification mechanisms are vital in industries like shipping and construction, helping mitigate financial disasters.
- Businesses may indemnify their employees to encourage risk-taking that can lead to innovation.
- Understanding indemnity is crucial for startups, especially when entering partnerships or contracts.
Historical Use
- The concept dates back to ancient Roman law, where forms of indemnity were first established.
- During the Renaissance, indemnification became an essential part of trade agreements, particularly in maritime law.
- Indemnity became widespread in England in the 19th century with the growth of insurance services.
Origin of 'indemnify'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'indemnis', meaning 'unhurt' or 'unharmed'.
- It was adopted into English in the mid-17th century, becoming more common in legal contexts.
- Components 'in-' (not) and 'damnum' (damage) underscore the idea of preventing harm.
The word 'indemnify' originated from the Latin word 'indemnificare', which means 'to secure against loss'. It first appeared in English in the mid-17th century. The concept of indemnification has been a common practice in legal and financial contexts to protect parties against potential risks and liabilities.