subserve

verb

sub·​serve (ˌ)səb-ˈsərv 

subserved; subserving; subserves

transitive verb

1

: to promote the welfare or purposes of

2

: to serve as an instrument or means in carrying out

Examples of subserve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These auditory and reward network pathways likely subserve the mind’s ability to form predictions and expectations during music listening. — Grace Leslie, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Latin subservire to serve, be subservient, from sub- + servire to serve

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subserve

• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• curve
• mirv
• nerve
• serve
• swerve
• verve