exertion

[ig-zur-shuhn]

noun

1. vigorous action or effort.

   physical and mental exertion.

   Synonyms: strain, activity, attempt, struggle, endeavor

2. an effort.

   a great exertion to help others.

3. exercise, as of power or faculties.

4. an instance of this.

Other Word Forms

• nonexertion noun
• self-exertion noun
• superexertion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exertion¹

First recorded in 1660–70; exert + -ion

Synonym Study

See effort.

Example Sentences

It has meant more drills, more running, more exertion.

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For athletes, it represents the process of learning to cope with long, draining physical exertions, while in business terms it might be the exposure to new and challenging experiences.

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The latest issue has centred upon Chelsea and City, who both wanted a delayed start to the new campaign given their summer exertions.

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It could be that he was simply taking care after his prior exertions in this match, and with the fifth Test at The Oval beginning on Thursday.

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The exertion that was required seemed to belong to a pre-internet age.

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