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

Helping this vulnerable population should garner the same degree of enthusiasm so many on Capitol Hill exerted for canceling student loan debt. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

Here, Beethoven exerts a compulsion for triumphant glory. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

Florida is starting to exert its will inside and on the glass. —Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026

Citrus, berries, apples, and pears are high in water, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants which exert an alkalizing effect after digestion. —Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 24 Feb. 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