Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Effort

Effort , noun

[French effort, Old French esfort, for esfors, esforz, from 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.
We prize the stronger effort of his power. — Pope
2.
(Mechanics) A force acting on a body in the direction of its motion. — Rankine

Effort , transitive verb

To stimulate. [Obsolete]
He efforted his spirits. — Fuller