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

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

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

Tavakoli and the scores of other activists, bloggers, journalists and lawyers jailed in Iran deserve our unwavering support.

From The Daily Beast

They deserve every penny and more: booking a four week tour is a huge job.

From The Daily Beast

Women deserve to have meaningful roles in the shaping of the future of Afghanistan.

From The Daily Beast

In no way, he said, did Brown deserve to die for what began as petty theft.

From The Daily Beast

They were advised to “try showing a little class” and “[d]ress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar.”

From The Daily Beast

If you throw away this chance, you will both richly deserve to be hanged, as I sincerely trust you will be.

From Project Gutenberg

As such it is now presented to the public for whatever meed of praise or censure it is found to deserve.

From Project Gutenberg

History gives them scant notice, and the Federal government has failed to reward them as they deserve.

From Project Gutenberg

Tell Lady Maude the candid truth, and take shame and blame to yourself, as you deserve.

From Project Gutenberg

There is one other department of children's art which clearly does deserve to be studied with some care—their drawing.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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