Endeavor — Defs

01 v. t. To exert physical or intellectual strength for the attainment of; to use efforts to effect; to strive to achieve or reach; to try; to attempt.

imp. & p. p. Endeavored; p. pr. & vb. n. Endeavoring

1.
To exert physical or intellectual strength for the attainment of; to use efforts to effect; to strive to achieve or reach; to try; to attempt.
“It is our duty to endeavor the recovery of these beneficial subjects.” — Ld. Chatham.

Phrases & compounds

To endeavor one's self — to exert one's self strenuously to the fulfillment of a duty.

02 v. i. To exert one's self; to work for a certain end.

1.
To exert one's self; to work for a certain end.
“And such were praised who but endeavored well.” — Pope.

“He had . . . endeavored earnestly to do his duty.” — Prescott.

Syn. To attempt; try; strive; struggle; essay; aim; seek.

03 n. An exertion of physical or intellectual strength toward the attainment of an object; a systematic or continuous attempt; an effort; a trial.

1.
An exertion of physical or intellectual strength toward the attainment of an object; a systematic or continuous attempt; an effort; a trial.
“To employ all my endeavor to obey you.” — Sir P. Sidney.

Phrases & compounds

To do one's endeavor — to do one's duty; to put forth strenuous efforts to attain an object; -- a phrase derived from the Middle English phrase “to do one's dever” (duty).

Syn. Essay; trial; effort; exertion. See Attempt.