behalf
In support of
Behalf appears almost exclusively in two phrases.
On behalf of means as a representative or agent: The lawyer spoke on behalf of her client.
In behalf of means for the benefit of: They raised money in behalf of the victims.
In practice, the two are often used interchangeably, with on behalf of dominating in both senses.
One who acts for another
- delegateEntrust authority to another
- agentOne who acts independently
- proxyAuthorized substitute
- surrogateOne acting for another
spokesperson · ambassador · envoy · intermediary · stand-in · emissary · negotiator · liaison
Formal permission granted
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- permissionGranted right to act
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
- empowermentGaining authority or confidence
commission · power · appointment · sanction · proxy · deputization · capacity · acting
representative
One who acts for another
surrogate · spokesperson · ambassador · envoy · intermediary · stand-in · emissary · negotiator · liaison · broker
authorization
Formal permission granted
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- permissionGranted right to act
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
empowerment · commission · power · appointment · sanction · proxy · deputization · capacity · acting · stead
interest
Attention, stake, or fee
good · sake · aid · assistance · service · kindness · goodwill · concern · well-being · profit
advocate
Public cause supporter
- championTop competitor, or advocate
- lobbyingAdvocating to decision-makers
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
activism · petition · plea · endorsement · cause · movement · crusade · coalition · testimony · supporter
behalfopposition
Active resistance or dissent
detriment · against · disfavor · impediment · harm
- on behalf ofAs representative of
- act on behalf
- in behalf ofIn the interest of