kickback

noun

kick·back | \ ˈkik-ˌbak

Definition of kickback

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a return of a part of a sum received often because of confidential agreement or coercion every city contract had been let with a ten percent kickback to city officials— D. K. Shipler

2 : a sharp violent reaction

kick back

verb

kicked back; kicking back; kicks back

Definition of kick back (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to assume a relaxed position or attitude also : to spend time relaxing : take it easy spent the weekend just kicking back

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about kickback

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Synonyms for kickback

Synonyms: Verb

bask, loll, lounge, relax, repose, rest

Examples of kickback in a Sentence

Noun

Several company executives were accused of accepting kickbacks.

Verb

I plan to spend the day kicking back and watching television. a good resort for people who want to kick back and watch others exercise strenuously

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Philip Esformes, the 50-year-old owner of more than 30 Miami-area nursing and assisted-living facilities, was convicted of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and paying and receiving health-care kickbacks, among other charges. ... — Patrick Thomas, WSJ, "Health-Care Executive Tied to Admissions Scandal Found Guilty in Separate Fraud Case," 5 Apr. 2019 Rubio's bill would extend the anti-kickback provision to people who have private insurance, including Obamacare plans. — Alex Daugherty, miamiherald, "Rubio wants to stop kickbacks that keep drug addicts perpetually in recovery," 5 July 2018 McCaskill, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, asked the inspector general to examine whether those employment contracts violated federal anti-kickback laws. — Steve Vockrodt, kansascity, "McCaskill calls for federal probe of $90 million billing scheme at Missouri hospital | The Kansas City Star," 24 May 2018 The rebate system for the government contains a provision, that keeps these rebates from violating anti-kickback rules. — Jayne O'donnell, USA TODAY, "Drug prices can be cut without Medicare bargaining, Health and Human Services chief Azar says," 14 May 2018 In the first federal suit, Roman alleged Lewis and Tein conspired with Billie to get kickbacks, while hiding Cypress’ spending from the rest of the tribe. — David Ovalle, miamiherald, "Bogus lawsuits are getting this Miami lawyer booted from the legal profession," 12 July 2018 The first part of the move—the fire hydrant portion—will target your glute medius and minimus, and the kickback will engage your lower back, says Samuel. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, "Strengthen Your Glutes With This 5-Part Banded Circuit From Dogpound Trainer Emily Samuel," 13 Feb. 2019 In Razer’s example, your keyboard’s rest wrist could vibrate to simulate movement on your left, while your mouse could rumble to simulate right-side movement and the kickback of a gun. — Brad Chacos, PCWorld, "6 important CES 2019 reveals and trends that PC enthusiasts need to know about," 11 Jan. 2019 Specifically, prosecutors allege that Burns and others received kickbacks and bribes in exchange for referring for urine samples and drug tests to various laboratories. — Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, "Feds: Doctor, UFC champion used urine tests in $112-million scam," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kickback.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for kickback

Last Updated

7 May 2019

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Time Traveler for kickback

The first known use of kickback was in 1920

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More Definitions for kickback

kickback

noun

Financial Definition of kickback

What It Is

A kickback is a method of bribery in which something of value is exchanged for a favorable decision.

How It Works

A kickback can take many forms, all of which are illegal. For example, a building contractor might give a portion of what he or she is paid to a government official who approved the building plans for the project. Or, a biomedical company might offer training, travel, or other benefits to doctors who recommend theev product to patients. Another example would be a financial institution that provides cash or bonuses to mortgage brokers who convince borrowers to select their services over another provider.

Why It Matters

There are a number of specific laws prohibiting kickbacks. For example, a payment to a US government official may trigger a fine of three times of value of the kickback and a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Bank kickbacks are prohibited under the Bank Bribery Amendments Act of 1985, which, in addition to the monetary fine, can also imprison offenders for up to 30 years. The Anti-Kickback Act of 1986 specifically prohibits government contractors from kickback schemes, and subjects violators to both civic and criminal charges.

Companies should steer clear of giving any special direct or indirect favors or making payments including finder's fees, gifts, and special payments to family or friends of a banker or government official. Such actions may be perceived as kickbacks and subject to penalties/punishment.

Source: Investing Answers

kickback

noun

English Language Learners Definition of kickback

: an amount of money that is given to someone in return for providing help in a secret and dishonest business deal

kickback

noun

kick·back | \ ˈkik-ˌbak

Legal Definition of kickback

: a payment (as of money or property) made to one in a position to open up or control a source of income for the payor convicted of receiving kickbacks for referrals — compare bribe, payoff

Note: A kickback is specifically a payment for income received or to be received. The word is usually not restricted to a return of funds.