alimony

al-i-mo-ny · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    [law]A legal obligation to provide financial support to a spouse during separation or after divorce.

  2. 2.

    The money paid as such financial support.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    alimony pendente lite — Temporary alimony paid during divorce proceedings (Latin: "pending the litigation").
  • •
    permanent alimony — Ongoing support that continues indefinitely.
  • •
    rehabilitative alimony — Support intended to help a spouse become self-sufficient.

Related words

See also: child support, divorce, maintenance
Synonyms: maintenance, spousal support, support payments

Etymology

From Latin alimonia ("nourishment, sustenance"), from alere ("to nourish, to feed"). The term entered English legal usage in the 17th century.