Definition of endeavor

< endearment

endeavour >

en·deav·or    (n-dvr) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A conscientious or concerted effort toward an end; an earnest attempt.
2. Purposeful or industrious activity; enterprise.

VERB:
en·deav·ored, en·deav·or·ing, en·deav·ors
VERB:
tr.

To attempt (fulfillment of a responsibility or an obligation, for example) by employment or expenditure of effort: endeavored to improve the quality of life in the inner city.

VERB:
intr.

To work with a set or specified goal or purpose.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English endevour, from endeveren, to make an effort, from (putten) in dever, (to put oneself) in duty, make it one's duty : in, in ; see in¹ + dever, duty (from Old French deveir, devoir, duty; see devoir)

OTHER FORMS:
en·deavor·er(Noun)