deserve

de-serve · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To be worthy of or entitled to something through one's qualities or actions.

  2. 2.

    To merit punishment or a negative outcome.

Related words

See also: deserved, deserving, merit
Synonyms: be entitled to, earn, merit, warrant

Etymology

From Old French deservir meaning "to serve well," from Latin deservire meaning "to serve zealously," from de- (intensive) and servire meaning "to serve."