1. payments made to someone, especially as a bribe or reward
Usage: often implies corruption or illegality
2. final payments that settle a debt or obligation completely
3. benefits or rewards resulting from an action or investment

Examples

• The investigation revealed illegal payoffs to city officials.
• After years of mortgage payments, the final payoffs were scheduled for December.
• The payoffs from investing in education become clear over time.
• The company announced payoffs for 200 employees due to budget cuts.
• Corrupt politicians were caught accepting payoffs from contractors.
• The loan payoffs totaled over fifty thousand dollars.
• Hard work in school has long-term payoffs in career success.