Alimony is money that a person must pay regularly to a former spouse after a divorce or separation, to help support them. It is ordered by a court based on financial need and ability to pay.
From Latin *alimonia* “nourishment, support,” from *alere* “to nourish, feed.” The word kept the idea of providing ongoing sustenance.
Alimony is literally about ‘feeding’ or ‘nourishing’ someone after a marriage ends. Behind the legal rules is a very old idea: if you once shared a life, you may still share responsibility for each other’s survival.
Alimony developed in legal systems where men were primary earners and women were economically dependent, so payments typically flowed from ex-husbands to ex-wives. This history shapes stereotypes about gender, marriage, and financial dependency.
Discuss alimony as a gender-neutral legal obligation based on income and care arrangements, avoiding jokes or stereotypes targeting ex-wives or ex-husbands.
["spousal support","maintenance"]
Women's unpaid domestic and caregiving labor has been central to arguments for alimony and spousal support, though legal systems have often undervalued this work.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.