Definition of reward

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< rewaken

rewarding >

re·ward    (r-wôrd) KEY 

NOUN:

1. Something given or received in recompense for worthy behavior or in retribution for evil acts.
2. Money offered or given for some special service, such as the return of a lost article or the capture of a criminal.
3. A satisfying return or result; profit.
4. Psychology The return for performance of a desired behavior; positive reinforcement.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
re·ward·ed, re·ward·ing, re·wards

1. To give a reward to or for.
2. To satisfy or gratify; recompense.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Anglo-Norman, from rewarder, to take notice of : re-, intensive pref. (from Latin; see re- + warder, to guard, watch over of Germanic origin; see wer-³ in Indo-European roots)

OTHER FORMS:
re·warda·ble(Adjective), re·warder(Noun)