payoff
UK: ˈpeɪɒf | US: ˈpeɪɔːf
n. 1. The result or reward of an action, especially when beneficial.
n. 2. A bribe or illicit payment.
n. 3. The climax or resolution of a story or event.
The word "payoff" combines "pay," derived from Old French paier (to appease or satisfy a debt), and "off," from Old English of (indicating separation or completion). Originally, it referred to settling a debt (literal "payment"), but by the early 20th century, it expanded metaphorically to mean the "result" of an effort (e.g., "hard work pays off"). The negative sense of "bribe" emerged later, reflecting a corrupt "final payment" to influence outcomes.
The payoff for years of research was a groundbreaking discovery.
He admitted accepting a payoff to hide the evidence.
The movie’s payoff surprised everyone with its twist ending.
Investors awaited the financial payoff of the new policy.
The criminal gang used payoffs to avoid police scrutiny.