exert

verb

ex·​ert ig-ˈzərt 

exerted; exerting; exerts

transitive verb

1

a

: to put forth (strength, effort, etc.)

The force is exerted sideways.

b

: to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort

won't have to exert himself moving the table

2

: to bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect

exerted a lot of influence on fellow committee members

3

: employ, wield

exerted leadership abilities intelligently

Synonyms of exert

• apply
• use
• wield
• employ

Examples of exert in a Sentence

He had to exert all of his strength to move the stone.

He exerts a lot of influence on the other members of the committee.

the force exerted by the machine

Recent Examples on the Web

Eventually, Alonso will want his side to exert control over opponents rather than embrace this Russian-roulette brand of football. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

What to exert force and will over, and what to let take its natural course. — Kim Jackson, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026

Just about all of their artistry is exerted on the script, which deftly intercuts between the time frames, advancing their plots in episodes that, though tersely dramatic, are superficial in their efficiency. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026

Systolic blood pressure is the first or top number in your blood pressure reading, which measures the pressure your blood is exerts against your artery walls. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin exsertus, past participle of exserere to thrust out, from ex- + serere to join — more at series

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing exert

• exert one self

Rhymes for exert

• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• inert
• insert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt
• revert

Kids Definition

exert

verb

ex·​ert ig-ˈzərt 

1

: to put forth (as strength)

the force exerted by a machine

: bring into use or action

exert influence

2

: to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort

don't exert yourself too much