Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Reward \Re*ward"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Rewarded}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Rewarding}.] [OF. rewarder, another form of regarder, of
   German origin. The original sense is, to look at, regard,
   hence, to regard as worthy, give a reward to. See {Ward},
   {Regard}.]
   To give in return, whether good or evil; -- commonly in a
   good sense; to requite; to recompense; to repay; to
   compensate.

         After the deed that is done, one doom shall reward,
         Mercy or no mercy as truth will accord.  --Piers
                                                  Plowman.

         Thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded
         thee evil.                               --1 Sam. xxiv.
                                                  17.

         I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will
         reward them that hate me.                --Deut. xxxii.
                                                  41.

         God rewards those that have made use of the single
         talent.                                  --Hammond.

Reward \Re*ward"\, n. [See {Reward}, v., and cf. {Regard}, n.]
   1. Regard; respect; consideration. [Obs.]

            Take reward of thine own value.       --Chaucer.

   2. That which is given in return for good or evil done or
      received; esp., that which is offered or given in return
      for some service or attainment, as for excellence in
      studies, for the return of something lost, etc.;
      recompense; requital.

            Thou returnest From flight, seditious angel, to
            receive Thy merited reward.           --Milton.

            Rewards and punishments do always presuppose
            something willingly done well or ill. --Hooker.

   3. Hence, the fruit of one's labor or works.

            The dead know not anything, neither have they any
            more a reward.                        --Eccl. ix. 5.

   4. (Law) Compensation or remuneration for services; a sum of
      money paid or taken for doing, or forbearing to do, some
      act. --Burrill.

   Syn: Recompense; compensation; remuneration; pay; requital;
        retribution; punishment.

Source : WordNet®

reward
     n 1: a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing;
          "the wages of sin is death"; "virtue is its own reward"
          [syn: {wages}, {payoff}]
     2: payment made in return for a service rendered
     3: an act performed to strengthen approved behavior [syn: {reinforcement}]
     4: the offer of money for helping to find a criminal or for
        returning lost property
     5: benefit resulting from some event or action; "it turned out
        to my advantage"; "reaping the rewards of generosity"
        [syn: {advantage}] [ant: {penalty}]
     v 1: bestow honor or rewards upon; "Today we honor our soldiers";
          "The scout was rewarded for courageus action" [syn: {honor},
           {honour}] [ant: {dishonor}]
     2: strengthen and support with rewards; "Let's reinforce good
        behavior" [syn: {reinforce}]
     3: act or give recompensation in recognition of someone's
        behavior or actions [syn: {repay}, {pay back}]