payoff

Noun

pay-off (plural pay-offs)

1. A payment in full; the state of having been paid in full.
   • At the current monthly payment level, it'll take 32 more months to reach pay-off.
2. A reward.
   • What's the pay-off for putting up with her nonsense for ages on end?
3. A return on investment.
   • How soon could we realistically expect any pay-off from loading up on shares of that company?
4. (informal) A bribe.
   • The prison break never could have succeeded if it hadn't been for multiple pay-offs to various corrupt officers.

   Synonyms:

   backhander, bribe, bung, payoff, coffee money, cold drink money, dash, douceur, inducement, kopi money

5. (colloquial, especially) A resolution or justification of an event that has already occurred.
   • Where's the pay-off for that whole segment of the plot?