desservir/de.sɛʁ/
verb · B2 · Frequency 13536
verb
Meanings
to serve as the priest or minister of a church or chapel
Typically used with a person as subject and a church or parish as object, e.g. “Il dessert trois paroisses.”
to serve or cover an area or population (transport, services, institutions)
Common with transport routes or institutions as subject and an area or population as object, e.g. “Cette ligne dessert la banlieue nord.”
to be detrimental to, to harm someone’s image or interests
Used with a judgement, decision or action as subject and a person or thing as object, e.g. “Ce jugement le dessert.” meaning “This judgement works against him.”
Examples
Le curé dessert cette chapelle depuis dix ans.
The parish priest has served this chapel for ten years.
Cette ligne de bus dessert plusieurs villages isolés.
This bus line serves several isolated villages.
Un service médical dessert désormais toute la vallée.
A medical service now covers the entire valley.
Grammar note
Desservir is a transitive verb commonly used to mean "to serve an area or population"; it can also mean "to be detrimental to someone". Usage depends on context and meaning distinction.
verb
Meanings
to clear, clear away (e.g. a table)
Commonly used to refer to clearing dishes or items from a table.
To serve
Commonly used in transportation or service contexts, indicating that a route or service covers a location.
Examples
Après le dîner, Paul dessert la table pendant que sa sœur range la cuisine.
After dinner, Paul clears the table while his sister tidies the kitchen.
Le serveur dessert les assiettes dès que les invités ont terminé.
The waiter clears away the plates as soon as the guests have finished.
Chaque soir, elle dessert la table avant de préparer le café.
Every evening, she clears the table before making coffee.
Grammar note
When desservir means "to clear," it is used transitively; when it means "to serve" (e.g., transportation), it takes a direct object indicating what is served.
verb
Meanings
to serve, especially referring to transportation or catering services
Commonly used for transportation means (e.g., buses, trains) or catering, indicating providing service to a place or person.
to do a disservice, to perform ill offices (to someone)
Used to indicate causing harm or disadvantage to someone or something.
Examples
Cette ligne de bus dessert plusieurs villages de montagne.
This bus line serves several mountain villages.
Le traiteur dessert les invités dans une grande salle lumineuse.
The caterer serves the guests in a large, bright room.
Un petit train dessert les principaux sites touristiques de la ville.
A small train serves the city's main tourist sites.
Grammar note
Desservir is commonly used to indicate that a transport or service facility serves a location; it can also mean to do harm or disservice to someone or something.