payback
UK: ˈpeɪbæk | US: ˈpeɪˌbæk
n. 1. The act of retaliating or returning harm or loss to someone.
n. 2. A financial return or profit, especially on an investment.
n. 3. The act of repaying a debt or obligation.
The word "payback" combines "pay," derived from Old French paier (to satisfy a debt) and Latin pacare (to pacify or settle), with "back," from Old English bæc (returning to a prior state). The compound emerged in the 16th century, originally emphasizing financial repayment but later expanding to include retaliation. The logic reflects a literal "return of payment," whether monetary or metaphorical.
The company promised a quick payback on the initial investment.
He sought payback for the betrayal by exposing the truth.
The loan’s payback period was extended to five years.
Revenge movies often glorify violent payback.
Environmental policies aim for long-term payback in sustainability.