[syn: campaign, cause, crusade, drive, movement, effort]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Effort \Ef"fort\, n. [F. effort, OF. esfort, for esfors, esforz,
fr. esforcier. See Efforce.]
1. An exertion of strength or power, whether physical or
mental, in performing an act or aiming at an object; more
or less strenuous endeavor; struggle directed to the
accomplishment of an object; as, an effort to scale a
wall.
[1913 Webster]
We prize the stronger effort of his power. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mech.) A force acting on a body in the direction of its
motion. --Rankine.
Syn: Endeavor; exertion; struggle; strain; straining;
attempt; trial; essay. See Attempt.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Effort \Ef"fort\, v. t.
To stimulate. [Obs.] "He efforted his spirits." --Fuller.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
effort
n 1: earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or
accomplish something; "made an effort to cover all the
reading material"; "wished him luck in his endeavor"; "she
gave it a good try" [syn: attempt, effort, endeavor,
endeavour, try]
2: use of physical or mental energy; hard work; "he got an A for
effort"; "they managed only with great exertion" [syn:
effort, elbow grease, exertion, travail, sweat]
3: a notable achievement; "he performed a great feat"; "the book
was her finest effort" [syn: feat, effort, exploit]
4: a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a
particular end; "he supported populist campaigns"; "they
worked in the cause of world peace"; "the team was ready for
a drive toward the pennant"; "the movement to end slavery";
"contributed to the war effort" [syn: campaign, cause,
crusade, drive, movement, effort]