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 said: "I want to assure him that we are committed to addressing the concerns raised by the CMA so that the infant formula market delivers the better outcomes that parents deserve."

From BBC

“These legacy series, they’re big-screen movies, they deserve to come back,” said David A. Gross, who publishes the FranchiseRe movie industry newsletter.

From Los Angeles Times

They deserve a government that can deliver on its promises.

From Los Angeles Times

Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn deserve credit for co-authoring Measure G. They recognized that with a popular L.A. city governance reform package already on the November ballot, this year presented a rare opportunity to overcome voters’ historic skepticism about expanding county leadership.

From Los Angeles Times

"Then he got this imitation pistol out. I thought, 'oh my god'. I couldn't speak. But he didn't deserve an IPP for that."

From BBC

Related Words

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