kickback

American  

[kik-bak] / ˈkɪkˌbæk /

noun

1. a percentage of income given to a person in a position of power or influence as payment for having made the income possible: usually considered improper or unethical.

2. a rebate, usually given secretively by a seller to a buyer or to one who influenced the buyer.

3. the practice of an employer or a person in a supervisory position of taking back a portion of the wages due workers.

4. a response, usually vigorous.

5. a sudden, uncontrolled movement of a machine, tool, or other device, as on starting or in striking an obstruction.

   A kickback from a chain saw can be dangerous.

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kickback British  

/ ˈkɪkˌbæk /

noun

1. a strong reaction

2. part of an income paid to a person having influence over the size or payment of the income, esp by some illegal arrangement

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verb

1. (intr) to have a strong reaction

2. (intr) (esp of a gun) to recoil

3. to pay a kickback to (someone)

Other Word Forms

• antikickback adjective

Etymology

Origin of kickback

1930–35, noun use of verb phrase kick back

Example Sentences

They said they had uncovered an extensive scheme to take kickbacks and influence state-owned companies including state nuclear energy firm Enerhoatom.

From BBC

While rebates will vary by drug, the kickbacks to Medicare could be upward of 80% of list price.

From The Wall Street Journal

The fair’s former director of marketing pleaded no contest in June to taking $40,000 in kickbacks to award a security contract at the fair.

From Los Angeles Times

“Several larger families left Smart Therapy after being offered larger kickbacks by other autism centers.”

From The Wall Street Journal

She employed relatives with no formal education and recruited parents to enroll their non-autistic kids in her therapy sessions by paying them kickbacks of up to $1,500 a month per child.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• gift
• graft
• payment
• payoff