exertion
UK: ɪɡˈzɜːʃən | US: ɪɡˈzɜːrʃən
n. physical or mental effort
n. the application of force or influence
The word "exertion" derives from the Latin exserere (to thrust out, put forth), combining ex- (out) + serere (to join, bind). The verb "exert" entered English in the 17th century, meaning to apply force or effort. The suffix -ion nominalizes the action, forming "exertion" to describe the act of striving or vigorous effort. The morpheme "exert" retains its core meaning of active application, while -ion abstracts it into a measurable state or process.
Climbing the mountain required tremendous exertion.
She collapsed from sheer exertion after the marathon.
Mental exertion can be as draining as physical labor.
His success resulted from years of sustained exertion.
Avoid overexertion to prevent injury.