exert

verb ex·ert \ ig-ˈzərt \

|Updated on: 6 Aug 2018

Examples: exert in a Sentence

Definition of exert

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 bad influence on his students

3 : employ, wield

exerted her leadership abilities intelligently

See exert defined for English-language learners

See exert defined for kids

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 of exert from the Web

The psychological and emotional impact of these rituals were important, experts say, because juju ceremonies exert a control over victims that can be more powerful than actual shackle, NPR reports.

— paula rogo, Essence.com, "'Voodoo Nurse' Sentenced For Sex Trafficking Vulnerable Nigerian Women," 5 July 2018
In the Philippines, where Catholicism exerts a strong hold over the legal system, divorce is not an option for a majority of citizens leaving women in abusive relationships for all of their lives.

— rafia zakaria, The New Republic, "On Sending Women Home to Die," 18 June 2018
There is a slew of reasons that James doesn't exert the same gravity that Michael Jordan did, including, as Gene Demby points out, that in Jordan's day, marketing could dictate a narrative.

— nathaniel friedman, GQ, "NBA Finals: When the Best Player in the World Goes Up Against the Best Team," 31 May 2018
Exceptions include the faster-developing El Niños in 2009 and 2004, which likely did exert a cooling effect on June temperatures.

— matt rogers, Washington Post, "June Washington weather outlook: Sticky and soggy, not unlike May," 31 May 2018
The woman of mystery is Diane, who with her eerie single-mindedness and matchless beauty exerts scary control over Kit, the self-doubting narrator.

— lloyd sachs, chicagotribune.com, "Crime fiction to heat up your summer reading list," 21 May 2018
Although light does not exert much pressure, previous work has shown that sunlight can be used for spaceflight.

— charles q. choi, Scientific American, "Building Sails for Interstellar Probes Will Be Tough, But Not Impossible," 10 May 2018
But this introduces the same hold-out problem—where small groups can exert undue influence—as bedevils property markets.

— The Economist, "Don’t shrink the role of markets—expand it," 10 May 2018
From July 3 through Wednesday, the Magic held a total of seven practices, held one shootaround and played three games, and team officials saw no reason to exert Isaac and Bamba too much.

— josh robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Rookie Melvin Frazier Jr. showing defensive grit but unrefined offensive game," 14 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exert.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of exert

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1630

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

exert Synonyms

Synonyms

apply, exercise, ply, put out, wield;

Related Words

employ, use, utilize;

abuse, misapply, misuse;

EXERT Defined for English Language Learners

exert

verb

Definition of exert for English Language Learners

: to use (strength, ability, etc.)
: to cause (force, effort, etc.) to have an effect or to be felt

EXERT Defined for Kids

exert

verb ex·ert \ ig-ˈzərt \

Definition of exert for Students

exerted; exerting

1 : to put forth (as strength) : bring into use

He exerted force to open the jar.

2 : to make an effort

She exerts herself to help others.

Learn More about exert

See words that rhyme with exert Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for exert Spanish Central: Translation of exert Nglish: Translation of exert for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of exert for Arabic speakers

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exert

Definition of exert

Examples of exert in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of exert

exert Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

EXERT Defined for English Language Learners

exert

Definition of exert for English Language Learners

EXERT Defined for Kids

exert

Definition of exert for Students

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Origin and Etymology of exert

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