deserve

verb

de·​serve di-ˈzərv 

deserved; deserving

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

a worse punishment than he deserved

deserver noun

Synonyms

• earn
• merit
• rate

Examples of deserve in a Sentence

the team really deserved that victory after the way they played

Recent Examples on the Web

But aside from the cost, Denholm said Musk deserves to be paid for his work. —Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 7 June 2024

Does the military of our country deserve or want such a commander in chief? —Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2024

Curiosity Stream deserves our Editor's Choice award for the thousands of hours of viewing it offers a curious, nonfiction-minded audience—just be aware that most of its content is in English. —PCMAG, 4 June 2024

Rebecca Grossman trial Rebecca Grossman is a narcissist who deserves life in prison for boys’ murders, prosecutors say. —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English deserven, disserven "to be worthy of, attain what one deserves," borrowed from Anglo-French deservir, desservir, deserver "to deserve, merit, earn, be entitled to" (also continental Old & Middle French), going back to Medieval Latin dēservīre "to serve, officiate (at mass), hold land by service, earn, deserve," going back to Latin, "to spend one's time in, devote oneself (to pursuits, interests), be submissive to, comply with," from dē- de- + servīre "to perform duties for (a master) in the capacity of a slave, act in subservience, be at the service of" — more at serve entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing deserve

• deserve a medal

Kids Definition

deserve

verb

de·​serve di-ˈzərv 

deserved; deserving

: to be worthy of : merit

deserves another chance