Payback - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Payback refers to returning a favor, often in retaliation or as revenge. It can also mean repaying a debt or settling a score, whether positive or negative.
Definition:
The act of returning money or harm in response to a previous action, often revenge or repayment.
Synonyms:
retaliation, retribution, revenge, recompense
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
forgiveness, pardon
Common Collocations:
payback period, payback time, payback scheme
Derivatives:
paybacks, paybacker
Usage Tips:
Use "payback" to describe repayment or revenge; often implies negative consequences for prior actions.
Common Phrases:
payback's a bitch, exact payback, sweet payback
Etymology:
From "pay" + "back," first recorded in the early 20th century meaning repayment or retaliation.
Examples:
- 1. She demanded payback for the loan she gave him.
- 2. The team sought payback after last year's defeat.
- 3. His harsh words were met with swift payback.
- 4. Payback can sometimes escalate conflicts instead of resolving them.