1. an illegal payment made to someone in return for help or favors
Usage: informal
2. a strong backward movement or reaction
3. a portion of income or profit illegally taken by someone in a position of trust
Usage: informal

Examples

• The contractor was arrested for accepting kickbacks from suppliers.
• Several officials were involved in the kickback scheme.
• The rifle’s kickback knocked him backward.
• She felt the kickback from the power tool.
• The investigation revealed kickbacks totaling millions of dollars.
• He demanded a kickback for approving the contract.
• The gun’s kickback bruised his shoulder.