deserve
/dɪˈzəːv
/verb [with object]
Do something or have or show qualities worthy of (a reaction which rewards or punishes as appropriate): the referee deserves a pat on the back [with infinitive]: we didn’t deserve to win...
- He deserves some reward for all the hard work he puts in and now he just has to be more selfish.
- Irate shareholders wondered exactly what he had delivered to deserve such a reward.
- He has a job where most people will not even know he's part of the staff, he deserves a pat on the back.
Synonyms
merit, earn, warrant, rate, justify, be worthy of, be entitled to, have a right to, have a claim on, be qualified for, be good enough for
well earned, well deserved, earned, merited, warranted, justified, justifiable;
rightful, due, right, just, fair, fitting, appropriate, suitable, proper, reasonable, apt
formal condign
archaic meet
Phrases
deserve a medal
deserve well (or ill) of
Origin
Middle English: from Old French deservir, from Latin deservire 'serve well or zealously'.