to put forth or into use, as power; exercise, as ability or influence; put into vigorous action

to exert every effort.

to put (oneself) into strenuous, vigorous action or effort.

verb

apply , apply oneself , bring into play * , bring to bear * , dig * , employ , endeavor , exercise , expend , give all one’s got , give best shot , labor , make effort , peg away , plug * , ply , pour it on , push , put forth , put out , strain , strive , struggle , sweat it , throw , toil , try hard , use , utilize , wield , work , drive , force , thrust