In fidelity or surety bonds, what does the term 'indemnify' refer to?

In the context of fidelity or surety bonds, the term 'indemnify' refers specifically to the action of providing compensation for losses incurred. This is closely aligned with the purpose of surety bonds, which is to protect the obligee (the party benefiting from the bond) against losses caused by the principal’s default or failure to fulfill contractual obligations.

When a surety bond is executed, the surety guarantees that the principal will perform as contracted. If the principal fails to do so, the surety can step in and cover any resulting damages or losses, effectively providing indemnification to the obligee. Therefore, in this scenario, indemnification ensures the obligor is held accountable for their obligation, and the losses experienced due to non-performance are mitigated through financial compensation, essentially restoring the obligee's position as if the contract had been fulfilled.

Thus, within the framework of surety bonds, the definition of ‘indemnify’ aligns with providing financial compensation related to the actions or failures of the principal.