Meaning of exploit in English

Table of contents

Verb
exploit
Etymology
Middle English: from Old French esploit (noun), based on Latin explicare‘unfold’ (see explicate). The early notion of ‘success, progress’ gave rise to the sense ‘attempt to capture’, ‘military expedition’, hence the current sense of the noun. Verb senses (mid 19th century) are from modern French exploiter
Definitions
1. use or manipulate to one's advantage
Examples
- « He exploit the new taxation system »
- « She knows how to work the system »
- « he works his parents for sympathy »
Derived terms
2. draw from
Examples
- « make good use of »
- « we must exploit the resources we are given wisely »
Derived terms
- development
- exploitation
3. work excessively hard
Examples
- « he is exploiting the students »
Derived terms
Noun
exploit
Definitions
1. a notable achievement
Examples
- « he performed a great deed »
- « the book was her finest effort »

Famous quotes

« Art seduces, but does not exploit. »
Mason Cooley
« There are forces all around you who wish to exploit division, rob you of your freedom, and tell you what to think. But young folks can rekindle the weary spirit of a slumbering nation. »
Wynton Marsalis
« I love getting dressed up. Being a pop star is the most brilliant job for that. A lot of girls love shopping, but they might see the most amazing outfit and think, 'When am I going to wear that?', so it's my duty to exploit the fact I do have events I can wear these things to. »
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« Terrorists continue to exploit divisions between law enforcement and the intelligence communities that limit the sharing of vital counterterrorism information. »
Jim Sensenbrenner
« Any fool can have bad luck the art consists in knowing how to exploit it. »
Frank Wedekind