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kickback
[ kik-bak ]
/ ˈkɪkˌbæk /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
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SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?
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Question 1 of 6
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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. 2022
How to use kickback in a sentence
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
Other 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.