serve

serve a purpose, role, or function

• “The tree stump serves as a table”
• “The female students served as a control group”
• “This table would serve very well”
• “His freedom served him well”
• “The table functions as a desk”

do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function

• “He served as head of the department for three years”
• “She served in Congress for two terms”

contribute or conduce to

• “The scandal served to increase his popularity”

be used by; as of a utility

• “The sewage plant served the neighboring communities”
• “The garage served to shelter his horses”

help to some food; help with food or drink

• “I served him three times, and after that he helped himself”

provide (usually but not necessarily food)

• “We serve meals for the homeless”
• “She dished out the soup at 8 P.M.”
• “The entertainers served up a lively show”

devote (part of) one''s life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas

• “She served the art of music”
• “He served the church”
• “serve the country”

promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to

• “Art serves commerce”
• “Their interests are served”
• “The lake serves recreation”
• “The President”

spend time in prison or in a labor camp

• “He did six years for embezzlement”

work for or be a servant to

• “May I serve you?”
• “She attends the old lady in the wheelchair”
• “Can you wait on our table, please?”
• “Is a salesperson assisting you?”
• “The minister served the King for many years”

deliver a warrant or summons to someone

• “He was processed by the sheriff”

be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity

• “A few words would answer”
• “This car suits my purpose well”
• “Will $100 do?”
• “A”
• “grade doesn”
• “;”

do military service

• “She served in Vietnam”
• “My sons never served, because they are short-sighted”

mate with

• “male animals serve the females for breeding purposes”

put the ball into play

• “It was Agassi”

(sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play

• “his powerful serves won the game”