pay

1. to settle (a debt, obligation, etc.), as by transferring money or goods, or by doing something:

   Please pay your bill.

   Synonyms: liquidate, discharge

2. to give over (a certain amount of money) in exchange for something:

   He paid twenty dollars for the shirt.

3. to transfer money as compensation or recompense for work done or services rendered; to satisfy the claims of (a person, organization, etc.), as by giving money due:

   He paid me for my work.

   Synonyms: indemnify, reimburse, reward

4. to defray (cost or expense).
5. to give compensation for.
6. to yield a recompense or return to; be profitable to:

   Your training will pay you well in the future.

7. to yield as a return:

   The stock paid six percent last year.

8. to requite, as for good, harm, or an offense:

   How can I pay her for her kindness and generosity?

9. to give or render (attention, respects, compliments, etc.), as if due or fitting.
10. to make (a call, visit, etc.).
11. to suffer in retribution:

    You'll pay the penalty for your stubbornness!

12. Nautical. to let (a ship) fall off to leeward.

1. to transfer money, goods, etc., as in making a purchase or settling a debt.
2. to discharge a debt or obligation.
3. to yield a return, profit, or advantage; be worthwhile:

   It pays to be courteous.

4. to give compensation, as for damage or loss sustained.
5. to suffer or be punished for something; atone:

   The murderer paid with his life.

1. the act of paying or being paid; payment.
2. wages, salary, or a stipend.

   Synonyms: honorarium, fee, emolument, remuneration, allowance, income

3. a person with reference to solvency or reputation for meeting obligations:

   The bank regards him as good pay.

4. paid employment:

   One of the army officers was actually in the pay of the enemy.

5. reward or punishment; requital.
6. a rock stratum from which petroleum is obtained.

1. requiring subscribed or monthly payment for use or service:

   With pay TV, you can watch hit movies from the comfort of your own home.

2. operable or accessible on deposit of a coin or coins:

   Do you have any change for the pay toilet?

3. of or relating to payment.

verb phrase

1. 1. to pay (part of the total price) at the time of purchase, with the promise to pay the balance in installments:

      On this plan you pay only ten percent down.

   2. to pay off or back; amortize:

      The company's debt is being paid down rapidly.

2. payback ( def ).
3. to suffer or be punished for:

   The corrupt cop finally pays for his sins when the gang betrays him.

4. 1. to pay fully.
   2. to pay on demand:

      The gangsters used threats of violence to force the shopkeepers to pay up.

5. payout ( def ).
6. payoff ( def ).

1. to coat or cover (seams, a ship's bottom, etc.) with pitch, tar, or the like.