exertion

[ ig-zur-shuhn ]

noun

1. vigorous action or effort:

   physical and mental exertion.

   Synonyms: strain, activity, attempt, struggle, endeavor

2. an effort:

   a great exertion to help others.

3. exercise, as of power or faculties.
4. an instance of this.

Other Words From

• nonex·ertion noun
• self-ex·ertion noun
• super·ex·ertion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exertion¹

First recorded in 1660–70; exert + -ion

Synonym Study

See effort.

Example Sentences

The temperature is set at a chilly 68-70 degrees, because body heat rises with such strenuous exertion.

From Los Angeles Times

The boy died of a heart defect, with heat and physical exertion as contributing factors, according to a report from the Riverside County Coroner’s Bureau.

From Los Angeles Times

Forging new records in Europe with a famous win in Bordeaux and a first-ever European Champions Cup semi-final, they fell away after those exertions to miss out on the Premiership play-offs again.

From BBC

I can’t say this is my idea of a theatrical good time, but I appreciated the zany commitment and indefatigable exertion of a company dedicated to the worthy cause of mindless fun.

From Los Angeles Times

An appealing, relatable aspect of the director’s uniform is that it is optimized for effort and exertion.

From Los Angeles Times