deserve

[dih-zurv]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR deserve ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), de·served, de·serv·ing.

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.

verb (used without object), de·served, de·serv·ing.

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.

Origin of deserve

1250–1300; Middle English deserven < Anglo-French, Old French deservir, Latin dēservīre to devote oneself to the service of, equivalent to dē- de- + servīre to serve

Related formsde·serv·er, nounpre·de·serve, verb (used with object), pre·de·served, pre·de·serv·ing.

Synonyms for deserve

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR deserve ON THESAURUS.COM

1. rate, warrant, justify.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for deserve

earn, get, win, merit, gain, warrant, justify, rate, procure, demand

Examples from the Web for deserve

Contemporary Examples of deserve

Tavakoli and the scores of other activists, bloggers, journalists and lawyers jailed in Iran deserve our unwavering support.
Behind Bars for the Holidays: 11 Political Prisoners We Want to See Free In 2015
Movements.Org
December 25, 2014
They deserve every penny and more: booking a four week tour is a huge job.
How Much Money Does a Band Really Make on Tour?
Jack Conte
December 8, 2014
In no way, he said, did Brown deserve to die for what began as petty theft.
A Black Cop’s Tough Words for Mike Brown
Mary M. Chapman
December 3, 2014
They were advised to “try showing a little class” and “[d]ress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar.”
Let’s Not Forget: We Were All Teenagers Once
Russell Saunders
December 1, 2014
All of these people, and millions more like them, deserve a little overtime.
It’s Always Black Friday for Clerks
Michael Tomasky
November 28, 2014

Historical Examples of deserve

"Many have had that reputation who do not deserve it," said Robert.
Brave and Bold
Horatio Alger
If all be true that is said, Mr. Lovelace cannot deserve you.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
The only man in the world, surely, that could offer so much, and deserve so little!
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
He, with an imperious air, bid me deserve his love, and I should be sure to have it.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
And you deserve the best that the Harlowe House girls can give you.
Grace Harlowe's Return to Overton Campus
Jessie Graham Flower

British Dictionary definitions for deserve

deserve

verb

(tr) to be entitled to or worthy of; merit

(intr foll by of) obsolete to be worthy

Derived Formsdeserved, adjectivedeservedness (dɪˈzɜːvɪdnɪs), noundeserver, noun

Word Origin for deserve

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for deserve

early 13c., from Old French deservir (Modern French desservir) "deserve, be worthy of, earn, merit," from Latin deservire "serve well," from de- "completely" (see de-) + servire "to serve" (see serve). From "be entitled to because of good service" (a sense found in Late Latin), meaning generalized c.1300 to "be worthy of." Related: Deserved; deserving.

Idioms and Phrases with deserve

deserve

see one good turn deserves another.