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

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

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 Politicians and executives received kickbacks and bribes from the padded prices. — Fox News, "Profit up at Brazil's Petrobras on oil prices, asset sales," 8 May 2018 Rajoy's party suffered a major defeat through a court verdict identifying it as a beneficiary of a large kickbacks-for-contracts scheme. — Editors, USA TODAY, "Stoneman Marjory Douglas High School graduation, NBA Finals: 5 things to know this weekend," 2 June 2018 The downfall of Rajoy’s government after nearly eight years in power came just days after his Popular Party’s reputation was badly bruised by a court verdict that identified it as a beneficiary of a large kickbacks-for-contracts scheme. — Time, "Spain's New Leader Vows to Fight Corruption After Predecessor Mariano Rajoy's Ouster," 1 June 2018 To these officials, the investigation was a direct and menacing assault on a way of life defined by sumptuous luxury, tremendous privilege and, all too often, kickbacks and bribes. — Ken Bensinger, chicagotribune.com, "If the U.S. doesn't get the 2026 World Cup, blame Donald Trump," 12 June 2018 In March 2017, a court ordered the company to turn over records related to a long-running federal investigation into alleged kickbacks and bribes paid to U.S. doctors. — Brian Bennett, Time, "Michael Cohen’s ‘Essential Consultants’ Business Is a Big Problem for Donald Trump," 10 May 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

26 Feb 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.