Pay off

verb

Word Frequency: 3.0

Definitions

1.verbTo bribe, especially to deter oversight.

"I thought the guards would give us trouble, but apparently he had paid them off."

2.verbTo become worthwhile; to produce a net benefit.

"Her years of Spanish classes finally paid off when she found herself in Mexico and realized she could communicate with people."

3.verbTo pay back; to repay.

"He paid off the loan three months early."

4.verbTo pay back (repay, pay off) the entirety of a loan, thereby effecting the release of a lien on.

"This contract requires you to pay off the car by 2025."

5.verbTo fall to leeward, as the head of a vessel under sail.

The Daily Word NerdA new word, a puzzle, and a fun fact — free in your inbox every morning.

Free forever · unsubscribe anytime · all 14 newsletters

That email did not go through — please check it and try again.