DictionaryservePerforming duties
verb

serve

To fulfill duties or a purpose.

She serves her community by volunteering at the local library.

Etymology

Latin servire means to be a servant or render service. The broader English sense covers performing the duties or function needed by someone or something.

More examples

  • This bench also serves as a storage chest.
  • He served on the school board for six years.
  • She is serving a two-year prison sentence.

Forms

serve · serves · served · serving

service noun — Work done to help others or fulfill duties.

Similar words

fulfill
Emphasizes meeting a requirement rather than performing ongoing duties.
function
Emphasizes how something operates rather than whom it helps.