'reward' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'reguard,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'guard' meant 'to watch or heed.'

'reguard' transformed into the Middle English word 'rewarde,' and eventually became the modern English word 'reward.'

Initially, it meant 'to regard or take notice of,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to give something in recognition of service or achievement.'