endeavor
[en-dev-er]
- to exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive: We must constantly endeavor if we are to succeed.
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- to attempt; try: He endeavors to keep things neat in his apartment.
- Archaic. to attempt to achieve or gain.
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- a strenuous effort; attempt.
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Also especially British, en·deav·our.
Origin of endeavor
Synonyms
See more synonyms for endeavor on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for endeavored
Contemporary Examples
One U.S. defense official noted the initial program at Camp 27 endeavored to train 100 Libyan special operations soldiers.
Instead, I endeavored to strive even harder so that I would not debase his legacy.
Historical Examples
My field of labor was my own heart, which I endeavored to render pure in the sight of God.
Biography of a SlaveCharles Thompson
He then endeavored to effect an escape, by flight, 277 and the Indians followed after him.
Chronicles of Border WarfareAlexander Scott Withers
Henriette endeavored to comfort them, but it was in a voice that quavered strangely.
The DownfallEmile Zola
He endeavored to move away, but made some noise and the man heard him.
Louisiana LouWilliam West Winter
I endeavored to ascertain who was in the room and what was going on there.
Word Origin and History for endeavored
endeavor
v.
c.1400; see endeavor (n.). Related: Endeavored; endeavoring.
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endeavor
n.
early 15c., "pains taken to attain an object," literally "in duty," from phrase put (oneself) in dever "make it one's duty" (a partial translation of Old French mettre en deveir "put in duty"), from Old French dever "duty," from Latin debere "to owe" (see debt). One's endeavors meaning one's "utmost effort" is from late 15c.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper