reward
UK[rɪˈwɔːd]US[rɪˈwɔːrd]
n
Something given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement
n
A sum of money offered for the detection or capture of a criminal, or for information leading to a recovery
v
Give something to (someone) in recognition of their services, efforts, or achievements
Morpheme Breakdown
re
ward
re
again
ward
to guard, to watch
Etymology
The word 'reward' entered Middle English from the Anglo-Norman French 'rewarder,' meaning "to regard, to take notice of." This French term was itself based on the Germanic concept encapsulated in Old English 'weardian' (to guard, watch over). The core logic combines the idea of looking back ('re-') upon someone's actions with the notion of protective attention ('-ward'). Thus, the modern sense evolved from the act of observing and valuing a service or deed, to the concrete act of giving something in return for it. This journey transformed a general concept of regard into a specific transaction of recognition and compensation.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + ward (to guard, to watch)
're-' is a Latin prefix meaning "again, back." '-ward' is from Old English '-weard,' meaning "toward, tending to," related to the act of watching or guarding.
Examples
The company offers a bonus as a reward for outstanding performance.
A substantial reward was posted for the return of the lost painting.
Parents often reward good behavior with praise or a small treat.