payback

pay-back · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (informal) Revenge or punishment for something done to one.

  2. 2.

    The profit from an investment equal to the initial outlay; the time required to recoup an investment.

  3. 3.

    The return or benefit from an action or effort.

Forms

plural: paybacks

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    payback time — the moment when revenge or retaliation occurs
  • •
    payback period — the time needed to recover an investment

Related words

Antonyms: forgiveness, pardon
See also: repayment, retaliation, revenge
Synonyms: repayment, retaliation, retribution, revenge

Etymology

Compound of English pay and back, formed in the mid-20th century. Originally used in business contexts before acquiring the revenge meaning.