payback

[ pey-bak ]

noun

1. the period of time required to recoup a capital investment.
2. the return on an investment:

   This fund yields a payback of 15 percent tax-free.

3. the act or fact of paying back; repayment.
4. something done in retaliation:

   Excluding them from her wedding was a vicious payback for years of being snubbed.

verb phrase

1. 1. to repay or return; pay off:

      Graduates from this program are successfully paying back their student loans.

   2. to retaliate against or punish:

      She paid us back by refusing the invitation.

   3. to requite.

Word History and Origins

Origin of payback¹

First recorded in 1955–60; noun use of verb phrase pay back

Example Sentences

Constance defended the government's record, highlighting revamped community payback orders, electronic monitoring, home detention curfews and bail and release reforms.

From BBC

“I don’t have any idea of her qualifications on education, and I’ve not heard her enunciate a vision that gives me much confidence that it’s anything other than payback for political support,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Taylor appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court in September 2023 where he was given two community payback orders for 400 hours of unpaid work.

From BBC

Butts asked to reprogram money meant for highway projects and create a payback mechanism funded through a special tax district.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts added that he felt a payback vibe throughout the last week.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• compensation
• reimbursement