Kickback: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ฐ
Add to dictionary

kickback

 

[ หˆkษชkหŒbรฆk ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in business

A form of bribery in which a person or company pays someone in order to receive favorable treatment, especially in business transactions.

Synonyms

bribery, corruption, graft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
kickback

Duplicate of the first entry - refer to the initial description for details.

  • Refer to the initial description for examples.
bribery

This word is used when someone offers money, goods, or services to another person to influence their actions or decisions, particularly illegal actions. It has a negative connotation and is widely recognized as illegal.

  • The politician was arrested for bribery after accepting money to pass a certain law.
  • Bribery charges have ruined many careers.
corruption

This term broadly describes dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery. It can be used in various settings, such as politics, business, or law enforcement. Corruption has a strong negative implication.

  • Corruption in government offices is a serious problem.
  • The company is facing allegations of corruption.
graft

This word is often used in political contexts to describe a form of corruption where funds are obtained through dishonest or illegal means. It involves unethical practices by politicians or public officials to gain personal benefits.

  • The mayor was involved in graft and embezzlement.
  • Graft scandals are common in some countries.

Examples of usage

  • The company was involved in a kickback scheme to secure government contracts.
  • The kickback scandal led to the resignation of several top executives.
Context #2 | Noun

in politics

A sum of money paid to a political party or politician in exchange for favors, such as influence over policy decisions or appointments.

Synonyms

backhander, bribe, commission.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
kickback

Already defined above.

bribe

A widely recognized term for any illegal payment or gift given to influence the actions or decisions of someone in a position of power. Also has a strong negative connotation.

  • Offering a bribe to a police officer is a serious crime.
  • The company fired the employee for trying to bribe a government official.
commission

Typically used to refer to a legal payment made to an employee or agent based on the completion of a sale or task. It lacks the negative connotations of the other terms in this list.

  • She earned a commission for every house she sold.
  • Sales associates often rely on commissions to boost their income.
backhander

Primarily used in British English to refer to a secretive, under-the-table payment, typically to secure some form of illicit favor or advantage. It has a clear negative connotation.

  • The politician was accused of accepting backhanders from lobbyists.
  • Rumors of backhanders marred the project's credibility.

Examples of usage

  • The politician was accused of accepting kickbacks from lobbyists.
  • The kickback from the construction company influenced the zoning laws.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To recoil or jerk back suddenly, especially due to a strong force or impact.

Synonyms

jerk back, recoil, spring back.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
kickback

This word is often used to describe a sudden force or impact that pushes something backward. It can be used in a technical or mechanical context, particularly with firearms and chainsaws. Note that 'kickback' also has a negative connotation in the context of bribery or illegal payments.

  • The shotgun had a strong kickback when fired.
  • He received a kickback for closing the shady deal.
recoil

Used mainly in the context of firearms to describe the backward movement of a gun when it is discharged. It can also describe a person's reaction to something unpleasant or shocking.

  • The rifle's recoil was stronger than he anticipated.
  • She recoiled at the sight of the horrific scene.
jerk back

This phrase is typically used to describe a sudden, quick movement backward, often as a reaction to a stimulus like pain, shock, or surprise.

  • She jerked back when the dog barked suddenly.
  • His hand jerked back after touching the hot pan.
spring back

Refers to a quick return to an original position or shape after being bent or compressed. It is commonly used in contexts involving objects with elastic properties.

  • The rubber band sprang back to its original shape.
  • The branch sprang back after being bent down.

Examples of usage

  • The gun kicked back when fired.
  • The machine kicked back unexpectedly.

Translations

Translations of the word "kickback" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น suborno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเคฟเคถเฅเคตเคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Bestechung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ suap

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดะบะฐั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล‚apรณwka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ณ„่ณ‚ (ใ‚ใ„ใ‚)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pot-de-vin

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ soborno

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท rรผลŸvet

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‡Œ๋ฌผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑุดูˆุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รบplatek

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ รบplatok

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ›žๆ‰ฃ (huรญkรฒu)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ podkupnina

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mรบtur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะฐั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒ แƒ—แƒแƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rรผลŸvษ™t

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ soborno

Etymology

The term 'kickback' originated in the United States in the early 19th century, originally referring to a return of a portion of a sum of money received as a result of a transaction or business deal. Over time, it evolved to also signify illegal payments made in exchange for favors or influence. The word combines 'kick', implying a sudden forceful movement, and 'back', suggesting a return or repayment.

See also: kick, kicks.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,950 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.