to reward; to recompense; to repay
to retaliate; to get revenge
会社は社員の貢献に報いた。
The company rewarded its employees' contributions.
彼の努力に報いて、特別な賞を授与した。
To reward his effort, a special award was given.
長年の苦労に十分に報いることは難しい。
It's hard to fully repay years of hardship.