Endeavor

n. [Written also endeavour.] [O. Eng. endevor, from Fr. en devoir (in duty, task, or part), in the phrase se mettre en devoir de faire quelque chose, to try to do a thing, go about it.] An exertion of the physical or intellectual strength toward the attainment of an object; an effort; an attempt or trial; as, an earnest endeavor; a successful endeavor.

I am resolved to employ all my endeavor to obey you. Sidney.

Synonyms— Attempt; essay; trial; effort; exertion; struggle. See ATTEMPT.—ENDEAVOR, EFFORT, EXERTION, STRUGGLE. Endeavor is the widest term. An effort is a vigorous endeavor or taxing of our powers on some special occasion. An exertion is a peculiarly earnest and prolonged effort. A struggle is a violent and exhausting effort. “Ordinary endeavors will not now avail; every possible effort must be made; we must strain all our exertions, and struggle to the utmost.” “A tradesman uses his best endeavors to please his customers; a combatant makes desperate efforts to overcome his antagonist; a candidate for public honors uses great exertions to surpass his rivals.” Crabb.

(-dĕv'ur), v. i. [imp. & p. p. ENDEAVORED; p. pr. & vb. n. ENDEAVORING.] To exert physical strength or intellectual power for the accomplishment of an object; to try; to essay; to attempt; as, in a race, each man endeavors to outstrip his antagonist.

He had . . . endeavored earnestly to do his duty. Prescott.

Synonyms—To attempt; try; strive; struggle; essay; aim. See ATTEMPT.