payback

[ pey-bak ]

/ ˈpeɪˌbæk /

the period of time required to recoup a capital investment.

the return on an investment: a payback of 15 percent tax-free.

the act or fact of paying back; repayment.

something done in retaliation: a really vicious payback for years of being snubbed.

Nearby words

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

The payback scene at the end of the new season was really hard to watch.
Inside 'Sons of Anarchy's' Final Season: Creator Kurt Sutter on the Most Brutal Season Yet|Annaliza Savage|September 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The payback was swift and the re-alignment was total: a Solid South, but this time, Republican.
The South Has Indeed Risen Again and It’s Called the Tea Party|Jack Schwartz|December 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
If a Republican wins the presidency in 2016, the payback from Democrats will be vicious.
Obama Really Seems to Be Looking Forward to the End of His Presidency|Dean Obeidallah|December 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Drive 20,000 miles per year at $4.00 a gallon, and the payback period is shorter—2.5 years.
Uncle Sam Embraces Hybrids|Daniel Gross|May 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Payback against those accused of practicing sorcery is a deep-set custom in some parts of the ethnically diverse nation.
Where They Still Burn ‘Witches’|Jo Chandler|February 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST