n. 1. A consequence that happens to someone as a result of worthy or unworthy behavior: the rewards of exercise; the rewards of lying to your boss. 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 on investment; a profit. 4. Psychology The return for performance of a desired behavior; positive reinforcement. tr.v. re·ward·ed, re·ward·ing, re·wards To give a reward to or for. [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 the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] re·warda·ble adj. re·warder n. |
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