endeavor

[ en-dev-er ]
See synonyms for: endeavorendeavoredendeavoringendeavors on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)
  1. 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)
  1. to attempt; try: He endeavors to keep things neat in his apartment.

  2. Archaic. to attempt to achieve or gain.

noun
  1. a strenuous effort; attempt.

Origin of endeavor

1
First recorded in 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
  • Also especially British, en·deav·our .

synonym study For endeavor

1, 2. See try. 4. See effort.

Other words from endeavor

  • en·deav·or·er; especially British, en·deav·our·er, noun
  • pre·en·deav·or, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use endeavor in a sentence

  • It is the dramatic impulse of childhood endeavouring to bring life into the dulness of the serious hours.

    Children's Ways | James Sully
  • That I am not endeavouring to recall Anne's claims on you in saying this, I am sure you are perfectly aware, knowing me as you do.

    Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry Wood
  • Hartledon sent his thoughts back, endeavouring to recollect what could have given rise to this charge.

    Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry Wood
  • He had some sinister motive in thus endeavouring to plant seeds of suspicion within her mind.

    The Doctor of Pimlico | William Le Queux
  • A river such as the Mississippi is endlessly endeavouring to bear its burden to the sea.

    Outlines of the Earth's History | Nathaniel Southgate Shaler