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

The drum set and bajo quinto kept pace, making the set feel more like a rock show than a backyard kickback.

From Los Angeles Times

During his time as a Rio legislator he was accused of involvement in a kickback scheme in which he took a portion of his aides' salaries, but the case was dismissed.

From Barron's

Prosecutors alleged the owners of the two centers paid illegal kickbacks to parents and billed for services never delivered, collecting $20 million in Medicaid payments.

From The Wall Street Journal

The plan includes a pledge to remove "kickbacks" to middlemen.

From BBC

There, she wrote about marketing and Madison Avenue, including a series of stories about allegations of kickbacks in the media-buying business.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• gift
• graft
• payment
• payoff