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

By dominating the digital world, Silicon Valley has already exerted indirect control over the physical one. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026

But sometimes just thinking about tackling those jobs can feel exhausting, creating a barrier to success even for people who are highly motivated to improve their homes and their lives by exerting control over their belongings. — Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 18 July 2026

For existential reasons of geography and security, Tehran now wants to exert authority over the narrow waterway, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies transit. — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Anderson met Lee in 2007, and quickly rose through the ranks of his personal operations to exert near-total control of his public engagements. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 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