First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
deserve
verb de·serve \di-ˈzərv\
de·servedde·serv·ing
Definition of DESERVE
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
See deserve defined for English-language learners
See deserve defined for kids
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Origin of DESERVE
Middle English, from Anglo-French deservir, from Latin deservire to devote oneself to, from de- + servire to serve
Rhymes with DESERVE
DESERVE Defined for Kids
deserve
verb de·serve \di-ˈzərv\
de·servedde·serv·ing
Definition of DESERVE for Kids
: to have earned because of some act or quality
Synonym Discussion of DESERVE
deserve, merit, and earn mean to be worthy of something. deserve is used when a person should rightly receive something good or bad because of his or her actions or character. <A hard worker deserves to be rewarded.> merit is used when someone or something is especially worthy of reward, punishment, or consideration. <These students merit special praise.> earn is used when a person has spent time and effort and gets what he or she deserves. <You've earned a long vacation.>
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