deserve
UK[dɪˈzɜːv]US[dɪˈzɜːrv]
v
to have earned or to be given something because of the way you have behaved or the qualities you have
Etymology
the verb "deserve" entered english in the early 13th century from the old french "deservir," meaning "to merit, earn, deserve." this old french term was itself a borrowing from the latin "deservire," which meant "to serve well, serve zealously." the latin word is a compound of the intensive prefix "de-" (meaning "thoroughly") and "servire" (meaning "to serve"). the semantic evolution is clear: from the literal idea of "serving zealously," the meaning shifted to the figurative concept of earning a reward or punishment through one's actions or qualities. this transition from active service to merited consequence captures the core logic of the modern word.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from latin. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller morphemes using its modern english spelling.
Examples
after all her hard work, she deserves a promotion.
the team played brilliantly and fully deserves its victory.
if you treat people badly, you deserve to be lonely.