Kickback: meaning, definitions and examples

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

• Refer to the initial description for examples.

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.

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.

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.

Already defined above.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.