The Open Dictionary

deserve

verb

UK/dɪˈzɜːv/
US/dɪˈzɝːv/

Definitions of deserve verb

  1. B1TransitiveNot continuous

    To be worthy of or have a right to something due to one's actions or qualities.

    • After putting in so much effort, you deserve a good rest.

    • She put in so much time on the project, she deserves our praise.

    • After that hard fought battle, they deserve the victory.

Idioms

  • he/she deserves whatever/everything he/she gets

    Used to express that someone deserves to experience the negative consequences of their bad actions.

    • He betrayed his friends, so he deserves whatever he's going through now.

  • someone deserves a medal

    This phrase is used to express admiration for someone who has endured a challenging person or situation for an extended period.

    • She deals with those complaining clients every day; she deserves a medal.