reward

Definition

Something of value given in return for an act.

Etymology

From Middle English reward, rewarde, from Old French reward (“reward”) (compare Old French regard, whence modern French regard, and also English regard through Middle French), from rewarder (“to reward”) (compare Old French reguarder), from re- + warder (“to guard, keep”) (compare Old French guarder); the Anglo-Norman forms are derived from Old Northern French variants of Old French, ultimately of Germanic (Frankish) origin. Compare regard, warden, guard. See more below. Mostly displaced Old English mēd, whence Modern English meed. Displaced Old English lēan and edlēan.

Example Sentences

• "For catching the thief, you'll get a nice reward."
• "The rewards for bringing in badly wanted criminals are printed on 'dead or alive' posters."
• "Is this the reward I get for telling the truth: to be put in jail?"