I. rə̇ˈwȯ(ə)rd, rēˈ-, -ȯ(ə)d verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English rewarden, from Old North French rewarder to reward, regard, look at, from re- + warder to watch over, guard, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wartēn to watch, take care — more at ward
transitive verb
1. obsolete
a. : to give or assign to as due : recompense or requite with
b. : to give (as a hawk or hound) a share or particular part of prey usually when taken
2. : to make a return or give a reward to (as a person) or for (as a service or accomplishment)
rewarding his friends and repaying his enemies
reward small personal services generously
intransitive verb
: to give rewards : make requital
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old North French, from rewarder to reward
1. : something that is given in return for good or evil done or received
one of our fine old members … who passed to his reward — R.T.Smith
and especially that is offered or given for some service or attainment (as a prize for excellence in studies, a sum of money for the return of something lost or for the capture of a criminal) : recompense , requital
thy great misdeeds have met a due reward — John Dryden
2. obsolete
a. : quarry I 1a
b. : remuneration ; especially : extra pay
c. : an extra supply of food : an extra dish
3. : compensation for services : a sum of money paid or taken for doing or forbearing to do some act (as for furnishing information leading to the arrest and conviction of criminals or for restoring lost property)
4. : profit
III. noun
: a stimulus administered to an organism following a correct or desired response that increases the probability of occurrence of the response
• reward transitive verb