effort

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 ]

v. t. To stimulate. [ Obs. ] “He efforted his spirits.” Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. 1. requiring great physical effort. Opposite of effortless. [ Narrower terms: arduous, backbreaking, back-breaking, grueling, gruelling, hard, heavy, laborious, labourious, punishing, slavish, strenuous, toilsome; exhausting, tiring, wearing, wearying ] Also See: difficult, hard. [ WordNet 1.5 ]