kickback
|kick/back|
C1
/ˈkɪkˌbæk/
illicit payment
Etymology
Etymology Information
'kickback' originates from the combination of 'kick' and 'back', where 'kick' meant 'to strike with the foot' and 'back' referred to 'returning'.
Historical Evolution
'kickback' changed from the literal sense of 'a backward kick' to its modern usage referring to illicit payments.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a backward kick', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'illicit payment'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a payment made to someone who has facilitated a transaction or appointment, especially illicitly.
The contractor was caught giving kickbacks to secure the project.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/20 03:06