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

Whether that be in the form of dry brushing, an enzyme mask, or a glycolic body scrub, every part of our body deserves to be resurfaced. —Samantha Mims, Essence, 10 Apr. 2024

There’s no telling which side would want your allegiance (and, honestly, neither deserves it). —Amy Nicholson, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

As the minutes tick by, Kane is forced to consider whether the town even deserves to be saved. —Danny Horn, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2024

The next generation deserves basic nutrition and clean air; and expectant parents deserve the same. —Jeremy Ney, TIME, 9 Apr. 2024

Still, Biskind’s book more than deserves its place on our list of the best Hollywood books. —David Kipen, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024

Considering that the largest mass shooting in modern American history happened at a country music festival in 2017 — while Aldean was onstage — the Tower setting deserved a second thought. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024

Laube deserved a light sentence, Carney said, because prosecutors should have focused on leftist groups. —Will Carless, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024

Coach Case deserves the credit for the recruitment of Labaron. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 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