award
UK: əˈwɔːd | US: əˈwɔːrd
n. a prize or other mark of recognition given in honor of an achievement
vt. to give something as a prize or recognition for merit
The word "award" originates from Old French esguarder (to observe, consider), which combines the prefix es- (from Latin ex-, meaning "out") and guarder (to guard, watch). Over time, it evolved in Anglo-Norman as awarder, meaning "to decide after observation." The modern sense of "giving a prize" emerged from the idea of a formal decision or judgment (e.g., a court award). The morpheme a- reflects direction ("to"), while -ward ties to vigilance or judgment.
She received an award for her groundbreaking research.
The jury will award the best film at the festival.
His painting won the top award in the competition.
The judge awarded damages to the plaintiff.
The Nobel Prize is the highest award in science.