endeavor

[ en-dev-er ]

/ ɛnˈdɛv ər /

verb (used without object)

to exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive: We must constantly endeavor if we are to succeed.

verb (used with object)

to attempt; try: He endeavors to keep things neat in his apartment.

Archaic. to attempt to achieve or gain.

noun

a strenuous effort; attempt.

Nearby words

endbrain, endcap, endear, endearing, endearment, endeavor, endeavour, endecott, endemic, endemic hematuria, endemic neuritis

Also especially British, en·deav·our.

Origin of endeavor

1350–1400; Middle English endeveren, from the phrase putten in devoir to make an effort, assume responsibility; compare Anglo-French se mettre en deveir. See en-¹, devoir

SYNONYMS FOR endeavor

1, 2 See try.

4 See effort.

Related forms

en·deav·or·er; especially British, en·deav·our·er, nounpre·en·deav·or, noun

Examples from the Web for endeavoured

Then he endeavoured to hum a tune; but his voice seemed to choke him.
The Mysteries of London, v. 1/4|George W. M. Reynolds
This estimate M. Troyon endeavoured to make—an undertaking of a very interesting nature.
Primitive Man|Louis Figuier
These circumstances, during the life of his son, he had endeavoured to forget or to palliate.
The Disowned, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton
But, Mark and Bridget endeavoured to forget everything unpleasant in this visit to their much-loved home.
The Crater|James Fenimore Cooper

With this view, I endeavoured to anticipate the course which such a history would take.
The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the|Thomas Clarkson