First Known Use: circa 1538
Dictionary
1exploit
noun ex·ploit \ˈek-ˌsplȯit, ik-ˈ\
: an exciting act or action
Full Definition of EXPLOIT
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Origin of EXPLOIT
Middle English espleit, expleit, exploit furtherance, outcome, from Anglo-French, from Latin explicitum, neuter of explicitus, past participle
Synonym Discussion of EXPLOIT
feat, exploit, achievement mean a remarkable deed. feat implies strength or dexterity or daring <an acrobatic feat>. exploit suggests an adventurous or heroic act <his exploits as a spy>. achievement implies hard-won success in the face of difficulty or opposition <her achievements as a chemist>.
2exploit
verb ex·ploit \ik-ˈsplȯit, ˈek-ˌ\
: to get value or use from (something)
: to use (someone or something) in a way that helps you unfairly
Full Definition of EXPLOIT
transitive verb
1
: to make productive use of : utilize <exploiting your talents> <exploit your opponent's weakness>
2
: to make use of meanly or unfairly for one's own advantage <exploiting migrant farm workers>
— ex·ploit·abil·i·ty \ik-ˌsploi-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— ex·ploit·able \-ˈsplȯi-tə-bəl\ adjective
— ex·ploit·er noun
See exploit defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EXPLOIT
1838
Related to EXPLOIT
- Synonyms
- abuse, capitalize (on), cash in (on), impose (on or upon), leverage, milk, pimp, play (on or upon), use, work, trade on, walk on
EXPLOITABLE Defined for Kids
1exploit
noun ex·ploit \ˈek-ˌsplȯit\
Definition of EXPLOIT for Kids
: an exciting or daring act
2exploit
verb ex·ploit \ik-ˈsplȯit\
ex·ploit·edex·ploit·ing
Definition of EXPLOIT for Kids
1
: to get the value or use out of <exploit an opportunity>
2
: to take unfair advantage of <He had a reputation for exploiting his workers.>
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