payback

noun
pay·​back | \ ˈpā-ˌbak How to pronounce payback (audio) \

Definition of payback

1 : requital
2 : a return on an investment equal to the original capital outlay also : the period of time elapsed before an investment is recouped

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Examples of payback in a Sentence

They beat our team last year, so we've got to beat them this year as payback. we are hoping to get payback for the humiliating defeat we suffered at the hands of our rivals during our last matchup

Recent Examples on the Web

As payback, the actress shared a photo of herself diving bottomless into the pool. Joelle Goldstein, PEOPLE.com, "Selma Blair Shares Emotional Post About Her Son Getting Older Amid MS Journey: 'The Best It Gets'," 28 Aug. 2019 And his other brother, Corey, is awaiting trial for his role in Tyshawn’s killing, which was allegedly orchestrated by Morgan’s gang as payback. Jason Meisner, chicagotribune.com, "Four years in prison for man who trafficked gun used in slaying of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee," 27 Aug. 2019 Tribal violence is common in Papua New Guinea's interior, where villagers avenge relatives in retaliation known as payback, according to the AP. Fox News, "Papua New Guinea tribal violence leaves more than 20 dead, mostly women and children," 11 July 2019 To Havens, the lack of pandemonium was a validation of his decision to partner with Yellowhammer for a little community payback celebrating his company's 21st anniversary. al.com, "Free coffee: Yellowhammer delivers $1,000 wake-up call," 28 June 2019 Geothermal power plant projects suffer from much higher capital costs (and therefore slower payback times) than other forms of renewable energy. Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, "US report finds sky is the limit for geothermal energy beneath us," 11 June 2019 Apparel prices, which were affected by Labor Department methodology changes this spring, climbed by 1.1% in June from a month earlier, likely payback after three weak monthly readings. Sarah Chaney, WSJ, "U.S. Consumer Prices Increased in June, but Firmer Inflation May Elude Fed," 11 July 2019 For instance, your monthly payment will decrease for those on a regular payback schedule. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, "How would a Fed rate cut affect your credit cards, home equity lines and bank savings," 11 July 2019 Lamont had supported the project as a candidate for governor, and some saw the fact that it wasn’t included on the agenda as political payback directed at House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, a Republican who represents the area. Russell Blair, courant.com, "Capitol Week in Review: Rest areas back open, UConn back in the Big East," 28 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'payback.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of payback

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for payback

payback

noun

English Language Learners Definition of payback

: punishment for something that was done in the past
: an amount of money that you receive after investing in something and that is equal to or greater than the amount of money that you originally invested
: the amount of time that passes before invested money is returned or before money that is owed is paid