deserve

American  

[dih-zurv] / dɪˈzɜrv /

verb (used with object)

deserved, deserving

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

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verb (used without object)

deserved, deserving

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 British  

/ dɪˈzɜːvɪdnɪs, dɪˈzɜːv /

verb

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

2. obsolete to be worthy

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deserve Idioms  

1. see one good turn deserves another.

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Other Word Forms

• deserved adjective
• deservedness noun
• deserver noun
• predeserve verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of deserve

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 )

Example Sentences

"Every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed and when given the right support and opportunities, they will grasp them," they said.

From BBC

Taxpayers, who keep the economy running and sustain care for the most vulnerable, deserve empathy and justice.

From The Wall Street Journal

It inspire Simone de Beauvoir in 1960 to say, "BB now deserves to be considered an export product as important as Renault automobiles."

From Barron's

He remains determined to promote music from Ethiopia and the wider continent which he feels does not get the acknowledgment it deserves.

From BBC

Parents deserve to feel empowered, to be assured that Washington is an ally.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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