exploit

Definitions

ex- (out) + ploit (the French-worn form of plic, "fold") = "unfold for use." To exploit something is to unfold it and get everything out of it — exploit a resource, exploit an opportunity. When that "getting everything out" is done to a person, it turns negative: exploit workers. The noun "exploit" (a heroic deed) comes from the same word via French — an action fully unfolded and carried out.

Why It Means This

exploit splits into two very different feelings from one root. ex- + plic "unfold for use" is neutral when you exploit a resource or an opportunity, but the same "squeeze everything out" turns ugly when the thing being unfolded is a human being — hence exploit workers. The noun (a heroic exploit) preserves the older, fully positive sense of a deed carried right through to the end.

Common Collocations

• 1.exploit a resource开发资源
• 2.exploit an opportunity利用机会
• 3.exploit workers剥削工人
• 4.daring exploits大胆的壮举

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The company exploited new technology to cut costs.

• 2.

  Factory owners exploited child labor for decades.

• 3.

  The book recounts the explorer's daring exploits.