kickback

1 of 2

noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak 

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

2 of 2

verb

kicked back; kicking back; kicks back

intransitive verb

: to assume a relaxed position or attitude

also : to spend time relaxing : take it easy

spent the weekend just kicking back

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

The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to pay kickbacks and bribes to marketing agencies as well as charges related to kickbacks and bribes to health care benefit programs, according to federal prosecutors. —Leigh Walden, The Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2024

Two of the most influential factions in the LDP have been accused of failing to properly declare their income and expenditure and, in some instances, allegedly rerouting political funds to lawmakers as kickbacks. —Helen Regan, CNN, 26 Sep. 2024

Verb

But instead of kicking back and basking in her legacy, she’s been hard at work advocating for structural changes that would better support all women—whether athletes or not—in the workplace. —Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 3 Oct. 2024

And as endearing a protagonist as Evan makes, English Teacher would probably work still better as a true ensemble — if only there were more time to kick back with the rest of the cast. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1972, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing kickback

• anti-kickback

Kids Definition

kickback

1 of 2 noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak 

: a secret return of part of a sum of money received

kick back

2 of 2 verb

: relax sense 4

Legal Definition

kickback

noun

kick·​back ˈkik-ˌbak 

: 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.