deserve: Meaning and Definition of

de•serve

Pronunciation: (di-zûrv'), [key]

— v., -served, -serv•ing.

—v.t.

to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to (reward, assistance, punishment, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or situation: to deserve exile; to deserve charity; a theory that deserves consideration.

—v.i.

to be worthy of, qualified for, or have a claim to reward, punishment, recompense, etc.: to reward him as he deserves; an idea deserving of study.

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