Indemnify: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
|
| 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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "indemnify" in other languages:
🇵🇹 indenizar
🇮🇳 क्षतिपूर्ति करना
🇩🇪 entschädigen
🇮🇩 mengganti rugi
🇺🇦 відшкодовувати
🇵🇱 odszkodować
🇯🇵 補償する
🇫🇷 indemniser
🇪🇸 indemnizar
🇹🇷 tazmin etmek
🇰🇷 배상하다
🇸🇦 يعوض
🇨🇿 odškodnit
🇸🇰 odškodniť
🇨🇳 赔偿
🇸🇮 odškodniti
🇮🇸 bæta
🇰🇿 өтемақы төлеу
🇬🇪 ანაზღაურება
🇦🇿 təmin etmək
🇲🇽 indemnizar