Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) A deed or act; especially, a heroic act; a deed of renown; an adventurous or noble achievement; as, the exploits of Alexander the Great.

2. (n.) Combat; war.

3. (n.) To utilize; to make available; to get the value or usefulness out of; as, to exploit a mine or agricultural lands; to exploit public opinion.

4. (n.) Hence: To draw an illegitimate profit from; to speculate on; to put upon.