exertion Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun use of physical or mental energy; hard work
    elbow grease; effort; travail; sweat.
    • he got an A for effort
    • they managed only with great exertion

WordNet

Ex*er"tion noun
Definitions
  1. The act of exerting, or putting into motion or action; the active exercise of any power or faculty; an effort, esp. a laborious or perceptible effort; as, an exertion of strength or power; an exertion of the limbs or of the mind; it is an exertion for him to move, to-day. Syn. -- Attempt; endeavor; effort; essay; trial. See Attempt.

Webster 1913