Definitions

1. noun

reprisal or revenge, especially violent or retaliatory action.

“The gang sought payback for the beating they had received from their rivals.”

2. noun

compensation or reimbursement for expenses, time, or losses.

“The company provided a payback to its employees for working overtime during the holiday season.”

3. noun

a return on an investment, especially in the form of dividends or interest.

“The payback on the investment in real estate was substantial, exceeding our expectations.”

4. verb

to take revenge or reprisal, especially violently.

“The victim’s family vowed to pay back their attackers for the brutal assault.”

5. verb

to compensate or reimburse someone for expenses, time, or losses.

“The company will pay back its employees for the overtime they worked during the crisis.”

6. verb

to provide a return on an investment, especially in the form of dividends or interest.

“The investment paid back its investors handsomely, yielding significant profits.”