Crossword Genius

Show one's worthy to leave the army? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deserve

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'show' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for deserve that I've seen before include "Severed (anag)" , "Be entitled to" , "rate" , "Show one is worthy" , "Warrant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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