payback
n. C / Un. something bad that happens to someone because they did something bad to you first. It can also mean the money or profit you get back from an investment.
n. an act of retaliation or revenge for a previous grievance; alternatively, the period of time required to recover the cost of an investment.
He forgot my birthday, so my payback was forgetting his.
The team viewed their victory in the final as sweet payback for last year's embarrassing defeat.
While the initial capital expenditure for solar panels is high, the environmental benefits and the short payback period make it a sustainable choice for most homeowners.
Deverbal from pay back.
Often used in the phrase 'payback time' to indicate that consequences for past actions are now due.
I want a payback from himI want payback from himWhen referring to revenge or retaliation, the word is typically uncountable and does not take an indefinite article.