serve

(noun) (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play. Synonyms: service. Examples: "His powerful serves won the game."

(verb) serve a purpose, role, or function. Synonyms: function. Examples: "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."

(verb) do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function. Examples: "He served as head of the department for three years." "She served in congress for two terms."

(verb) contribute or conduce to. Examples: "The scandal served to increase his popularity."

(verb) be used by; as of a utility. Synonyms: service. Examples: "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities." "The garage served to shelter his horses."

(verb) help to some food; help with food or drink. Synonyms: help. Examples: "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself."

(verb) provide (usually but not necessarily food). Synonyms: serve up, dish out, dish up, dish. Examples: "We serve meals for the homeless." "She dished out the soup at 8 p.m.." "The entertainers served up a lively show."

(verb) devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas. Examples: "She served the art of music." "He served the church." "Serve the country."

(verb) promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to. Synonyms: serve well. Examples: "Art serves commerce." "Their interests are served." "The lake serves recreation." "The president's wisdom has served the country well."

(verb) spend time in prison or in a labor camp. Synonyms: do. Examples: "He did six years for embezzlement."

(verb) work for or be a servant to. Synonyms: attend to, wait on, attend, assist. Examples: "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."

(verb) deliver a warrant or summons to someone. Synonyms: process, swear out. Examples: "He was processed by the sheriff."

(verb) be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity. Synonyms: suffice, do, answer. Examples: "A few words would answer." "This car suits my purpose well." "Will $100 do?." "A 'b' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school." "Nothing else will serve."

(verb) do military service. Examples: "She served in vietnam." "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted."

(verb) mate with. Synonyms: service. Examples: "Male animals serve the females for breeding purposes."

(verb) put the ball into play. Examples: "It was agassi's turn to serve."