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

“No one deserves the fate of being executed and then set on fire in the middle of the desert in a desperate attempt by a killer to cover up his crimes.”

From Los Angeles Times

They deserve a government that can deliver on its promises.

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

But despite his critics, Serrano – who is signed to Paul's Most Valuable Promotions - says he is "misunderstood" and feels he deserves more credit for championing women's boxing.

From BBC

“For women, in particular, it's about being able to be safe and respected inside your own home, which is a very minimum standard all people deserve,” Marcotte wrote.

From Salon

Related Words

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