deserve

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To be entitled to, as a result of past actions

   To be entitled to, as a result of past actions; to be worthy to have.

   • After playing so well, the team really deserved their win.
   • After what he did, he deserved to go to prison.
   • We don't think your article deserves reading.
2. 2

   To earn, win.

   • That gentle Lady, whom I loue and serue, / After long suit and weary seruicis, / Did aske me, how I could her loue deserue, / And how she might be sure, that I would neuer swerue.
3. 3

   To reward, to give in return for service.

   • Gramercy saide the kynge / & I lyue sir Lambegus I shal deserue hit / And thenne sir Lambegus armed hym / and rode after as fast as he myghte
   • Pray you, lead on. At every house I'll call; / I may command at most. Get weapons, ho! / And raise some special officers of night. / On, good Roderigo: I'll deserve your pains.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      To serve

      To serve; to treat; to benefit.

      • c. 1619–22, Philip Massinger and John Fletcher, A Very Woman A man that hath / So well deserved me.

The neighborhood

• synonymmerit
• synonymbrook
• synonymdeserve
• synonymearn
• synonymgarner
• synonymreap
• synonymwin
• synonymbe worthy of
• antonymundeserve
• neighbordesert
• neighborserve someone right
• neighborreceive
• neighboracquire
• neighborget
• neighborobtain