n.
Pronunciation: in- ' de-v ə r
Function: verb
Inflected Form: en · deav · ored ; en · deav · or · ing \ -v( ə -)ri ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English endeveren to exert oneself, from en- + dever duty ― more at DEVOIR
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1 archaic : to strive to achieve or reach
2 : to attempt (as the fulfillment of an obligation) by exertion of effort < endeavor s to finish the race>
intransitive verb : to work with set purpose
synonyms see ATTEMPT