exploit English · revision 16152

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=c. 1300|origins=la explicō}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈɛksplɔɪt/ ''(noun)''; /ɪksˈplɔɪt/ ''(verb)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[inh|enm|espleit]], [[bor|xno|espleit]] and Old French [[m|fro|esploit|t=deed, achievement, profit]] (modern [[fr|exploit]]),^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 2026)^(Etymonline)^(Klein 1966) from [[la|explicitum|t=a thing settled, ended, displayed]], the neuter of [[m|la|explicitus]], past participle of [[m|la|explicō|t=to unfold]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(AHD 2024)^(MWU 2024) perhaps through a Gallo-Romance form [[la-vul|*explictum]].^(Hoad 1986)^(Ayto 2005) The spelling ''exploit'' was adopted from French during the 15th century.^(Barnhart 1988) The verb is [[inh|enm|espleiten]], from [[m|fro|esploitier|t=to accomplish, carry out]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(OED 2026)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Speed, progress, a favourable outcome: about 1300, in the ''Childhood of Jesus'';^(OED 2026) Barnhart's first sense is the outcome of an action.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Ayto describes the sense moving from "unfolding" through "bringing out, development" and "advantage, success" to "achievement".^(Ayto 2005) The early ''success'' sense led to an attempt to capture a place (1483 to 1692) and to a project or undertaking (about 1425),^(OED 2026)^(ODE 2010) and then to a daring deed or feat, especially in war, also from about 1425, in Lydgate.^(OED 2026) The verb, first "to accomplish" (about 1400), took the sense "to use selfishly" by 1838, from French, perhaps through its use of working mines;^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002) compare ''[[exploitation]]''.^(Etymonline) In computing, an ''exploit'' is a way of taking advantage of a flaw in software, from 1994.^(OED 2026)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 1300 – success, progress (obsolete).^(OED 2026)

+ * c. 1400 – the verb, to accomplish.^(Etymonline)

+ * c. 1425 – a project; a feat.^(OED 2026)

+ * by 1838 – the verb, to use selfishly.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1994 – a software exploit.^(OED 2026)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A bold or daring [[feat]].^(AHD 2024)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(computing)'' A program or technique that takes advantage of a [[vulnerability]] in software.^(OED 2026)

+

+ ===Verb===

+ # To make full use of a [[resource]] or opportunity.^(AHD 2024)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To take unfair advantage of someone for one's own ends.^(AHD 2024)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[exploitability]]

+ * [[exploitable]]

+ * [[exploiter]]

+ * [[exploitative]]

+ * [[exploitive]]

+ * [[overexploit]]

+ * [[underexploited]]

+ * [[unexploited]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[exploitation]]

+ * [[explicit]]

+ * [[explicate]]

+ * [[ply]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}