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

There’s absolutely no exertion happening in this pool.

From Los Angeles Times

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