exploit
UK[ɪkˈsplɔɪt]US[ˈɛkˌsplɔɪt]
v
To use a situation or resource in a way that gives you an unfair advantage or benefit, often without regard for others.
v
To make full and effective use of a resource or opportunity.
n
A bold or daring feat.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
ploit
ex
out
ploit
to fold
Etymology
The word "exploit" entered English in the 14th century from Old French esploit, meaning "action, deed, success". The Old French term derived from Latin explicitum, the neuter past participle of explicare, meaning "to unfold, disentangle, set forth". The literal sense of "unfolding" or "bringing out" evolved into the meaning of "bringing out to completion", hence an "accomplished deed" (noun). The verb sense developed from the idea of "turning something to one's advantage", which by the 19th century acquired the negative connotation of using a person or situation selfishly. This semantic shift illustrates how a neutral term for a completed action narrowed to imply an action taken for unfair personal gain.
Analysis
Structure: ex + ploit
- ex: Latin origin, meaning "out".
- ploit: From Latin plicitum, a variant of plicare, meaning "to fold". In this context, it implies something that is unfolded or brought out.
Examples
The company was accused of using cheap labor to exploit workers in its overseas factories.
A good leader knows how to exploit the team's unique strengths to achieve success.
His daring exploits as a pilot were celebrated in the newspapers.