The term 'deserve' can be broken down into six crossword solutions: DEMAND (6 letters), RATE (4 letters), EARN (4 letters), MERIT (5 letters), COUNT (5 letters), and ELDERS (6 letters). DEMAND refers to the act of asking for something with authority. RATE is a measure of the value of something. EARN is to gain money or other rewards through work or effort. MERIT is the quality of being deserving of respect or reward. COUNT is to include in a calculation or total. ELDERS are people who are older and more experienced than others. Together, these words suggest that someone deserves something when they have asked for it, have a certain value, have worked for it, are worthy of respect or reward, are included in a group, or have the experience of an elder.