subserve

[ suhb-surv ]

verb (used with object)

, sub·served, sub·serv·ing.

1. to be useful or instrumental in promoting (a purpose, action, etc.):

   Light exercise subserves digestion.

2. Obsolete. to serve as a subordinate.

subserve

/ səbˈsɜːv /

verb

1. to be helpful or useful to
2. obsolete.
   to be subordinate to

Word History and Origins

Origin of subserve¹

1610–20; < Latin subservīre, equivalent to sub- sub- + servīre to serve

Word History and Origins

Origin of subserve¹

C17: from Latin subservīre to be subject to, from sub- + servīre to serve

Example Sentences

If it wasn't because I wish to observe and subserve to the law of the land, I would have killed him long ago.

From Project Gutenberg

To those ignorant of letters an inscription would but ill subserve this purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Let it be shown that barbarism ought not to subserve civilization.

From Project Gutenberg

It is just that barbarism should subserve civilization; that Wrong should subserve Right.

From Project Gutenberg

I answer, that it is right that barbarism should subserve civilization.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accept
• attend
• complete
• follow
• pass
• perform
• work