reward

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Something of value given in return for an act.

   For catching the thief, you'll get a nice reward.

2. 2
   noun

   A prize promised for a certain deed or catch

   The rewards for bringing in badly wanted criminals are printed on 'dead or alive' posters.

3. 3
   noun

   The result of an action, whether good or bad.

   Is this the reward I get for telling the truth: to be put in jail?

4. 4
   verb

   To give a reward to or for.

   Why are you rewarding the child for misbehaving?

5. 5
   verb

   To be a recompense for.

   Decorations are meant to reward the most meritous acts and services.

6. 6
   verb

   To give (something) as a reward.

   Thenne syr Marhaus departed and within two dayes his damoysel brought hym where as was a grete tornement that the lady de Vawse has cryed […] And there syr Marhaus dyd so nobly that he was renomed & had somtyme doune fourty knyghtes and soo the serklet of gold was rewarded hym

7. 7
   noun

   an act performed to strengthen approved behavior

8. 8
   noun

   benefit resulting from some event or action

Etymology

From Middle English rewarden, from Anglo-Norman rewarder (“to reward”), from re- + warder (“to guard, keep”), from Old Northern French [Term?], from Frankish *wardōn (“to guard, keep”), from Proto-Germanic *wardōną (“to guard, defend”), from Proto-Indo-European *wer- (“to cover, shelter, defend, guard, shut”). Cognate with Old Saxon wardōn (“to guard, provide for, protect”), Old English weardian (“to guard”), Old High German wartēn (“to watch, keep, look after”). More at ward. Piecewise doublet of regard. Displaced Old English lēanian. In this sense, displaced Old English ġieldan, whence Moder…