kickback
[ kik-bak ]
/ ˈkɪkˌbæk /
noun
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.
a rebate, usually given secretively by a seller to a buyer or to one who influenced the buyer.
the practice of an employer or a person in a supervisory position of taking back a portion of the wages due workers.
a response, usually vigorous.
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.
QUIZZES
LEARN THE SPANISH WORDS FOR THESE COMMON ANIMALS!
Are you learning Spanish? Or do you just have an interest in foreign languages? Either way, this quiz on Spanish words for animals is for you.
Question 1 of 13
How do you say “cat” 🐈 in Spanish?
Origin of kickback
1930–35, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase kick back
OTHER WORDS FROM kickback
an·ti·kick·back, adjectiveWords nearby kickback
kick about, kick a habit, Kickapoo, kick around, kick-ass, kickback, kickball, kickboard, kick boxing, kickdown, kicker
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for kickback
British Dictionary definitions for kickback
kickback
/ (ˈkɪkˌbæk) /
noun
a strong reaction
part of an income paid to a person having influence over the size or payment of the income, esp by some illegal arrangement
verb kick back (adverb)
(intr) to have a strong reaction
(intr) (esp of a gun) to recoil
to pay a kickback to (someone)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Idioms and Phrases with kickback
kick back
Recoil unexpectedly and violently, as in This rifle kicks back a lot when you fire it. [Early 1800s]
Return stolen property to the owner, as in The pawnbroker kicked back the paintings to the gallery. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
Pay back a part of one's earnings, as in The workers were forced to kick back half their pay to the agent. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.