deserve

[ dih-zurv ]

verb (used with object)

, de·served, de·serv·ing.

1. to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to (reward, assistance, punishment, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or situation:

   to deserve exile; to deserve charity; a theory that deserves consideration.

   Synonyms: justify, warrant, rate

verb (used without object)

, de·served, de·serv·ing.

1. to be worthy of, qualified for, or have a claim to reward, punishment, recompense, etc.:

   to reward him as he deserves; an idea deserving of study.

deserve

/ dɪˈzɜːvɪdnɪs; dɪˈzɜːv /

verb

1. tr to be entitled to or worthy of; merit
2. obsolete.
   intrfoll byof to be worthy

Derived Forms

• deservedness, noun
• deˈserver, noun
• deˈserved, adjective

Other Words From

• de·server noun
• prede·serve verb (used with object) predeserved predeserving

Word History and Origins

Origin of deserve¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English deserven, from Anglo-French, Old French deservir, from Latin dēservīre “to devote oneself to the service of,” equivalent to dē- de- + servīre “to serve” ( serve )

Word History and Origins

Origin of deserve¹

C13: from Old French deservir, from Latin dēservīre to serve devotedly, from de- + servīre to serve

Idioms and Phrases

see one good turn deserves another .

Example Sentences

He adds of Coppola: “Of course he would put a very operatic soundtrack on this film, because it’s what it deserves. In fact, it’s what it’s calling for. It’s what it demands.”

From Los Angeles Times

“America’s schoolchildren and college students deserved an Education Secretary who brings deep education experience to the role,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

"We want to go to a World Cup - we've got to get that ticked off. If we get there, we want to compete. These players deserve to be there."

From BBC

The morning after Thanksgiving deserves some sweetness, too.

From Salon

After the most recent - a 2-1 defeat at Brighton - he said: "Maybe after seven years winning six Premier Leagues, maybe one year another team deserve it."

From BBC

Related Words

• earn
• gain
• get
• justify
• merit
• warrant
• win