Main Entry:

de·serve

Pronunciation:

\di-ˈzərv\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

de·served; de·serv·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French deservir, from Latin deservire to devote oneself to, from de- + servire to serve

Date:

13th century

transitive verb : to be worthy of : merit <deserves another chance> intransitive verb : to be worthy, fit, or suitable for some reward or requital <have become recognized as they deserve — T. S. Eliot>

— de·serv·er noun