defund

verb

de·​fund (ˌ)dē-ˈfənd How to pronounce defund (audio)
defunded; defunding; defunds
Synonyms of defundnext

transitive verb

: to withdraw funding from

Examples of defund in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the same time, the British government makes the decision to cancel the Legends program and defund all existing and future plans. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 Corruption scandals of the kind Milei vowed to eradicate upon taking office have struck a nerve against the backdrop of his efforts to defund education, health care and social assistance. — ABC News, 11 June 2026 Earlier this year, Matter helped lead another controversial initiative, to defund public media, which was defeated. — Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 That money is used to fund the BBC and, while there is a vocal minority who would defund the BBC tomorrow, the vast majority of Brits still like and consume it every day. — Matt Slater, New York Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for defund

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defund was in 1948

Rhymes for defund

See All Rhymes for defund

Browse Nearby Words

defunctive
defund
defuse
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defund.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defund. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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