contribution legal definition

noun

1. The right of a debtor who has paid the entirety of a debt owed by her and others to recover the othersÂ’ proportionate share of the debt.
2. The right of a joint tortfeasor who has paid more than her proportionate share of a judgment to recover the amount in excess of her share from the other tortfeasors.
3. The right of a joint tortfeasor to demand that the other tortfeasors supply their proportionate share of what is required to compensate the injured party.
4. A payment made by a co-debtor or joint tortfeasor of her proportionate share of what is due. See also indemnity.