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payoff
This word carries a strong sense of completion and arrival. When used positively, it evokes the feeling of a gamble finally paying out or a long-term investment of effort reaching its peak. It is the emotional or material satisfaction that justifies previous suffering or patience. In a darker or more cynical context, it suggests a transactional betrayal. Here, the word implies a hidden exchange where integrity is traded for money, often associated with corruption, crime, or political scandals.
Countable when referring to a specific bribe or a distinct reward. Uncountable when referring to the general concept of a result.
Meanings
The positive result or reward achieved after a period of hard work or risk.
"The long hours of studying had a huge payoff when she won the scholarship."
A bribe paid to someone to ensure their silence or cooperation.
"The informant received a secret payoff to testify against the mob boss."
The final resolution or climax of a plot in a story or movie.
"The movie builds tension for two hours, leading to a shocking payoff in the final scene."