payment made in return for a service rendered
"The manager promised an extra bonus as a reward for his excellent work on the project."
an act performed to strengthen approved behavior
"The trainer gave the dog a treat as a reward for sitting calmly when guests arrived."
the offer of money for helping to find a criminal or for returning lost property
"The police issued a reward for information leading to the arrest of the thief."
Something of value given in return for an act.
"The detective received a cash reward for solving the mysterious disappearance."
In plain English: A reward is something good you get for doing something nice or hard.
"The reward for finding his lost dog was fifty dollars."
Usage: Use the noun form when referring to something valuable, such as money or praise, offered in exchange for a specific action. As a verb, it describes the act of giving that incentive directly to someone who has performed well.
To give a reward to or for.
"The mayor promised to reward anyone who could identify the thief."
In plain English: To reward someone means to give them something nice as thanks for doing well.
"The manager rewarded his hard work with a bonus and extra time off."
The word reward comes from Middle English and Old French, where it originally meant "to keep watch over" or "guard." Its meaning shifted to refer to giving something in return for good service as the concept of guarding evolved into one of protection through favor.