What is "made an effort"

Usage examples of "made an effort".

They made an effort to look serious, but one's peaked cap was sideways over her curls.

Summoning all of his will, he again made an effort to move, only to find that it was impossible.

He then made an effort to rouse himself, but speedily relapsed into silence, and continued in the same melancholy mood till they reached Mansfield, where they halted for the night.

Not one out of 1000 subjects made an effort to protest such experiments.

I gave it up finally, and made an effort to conciliate the young woman in the tower.

Another time she might have made an effort to regain her composure.

He made an effort to stretch out the key towards her as far as possible, and Mary again retreated.

Once before, I made an effort to free you from your uncle's thraldom.