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 bad influence on his students

3

: employ, wield

exerted her leadership abilities intelligently

Synonyms

• apply
• exercise
• ply
• put out
• wield

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

Hollywood can exert immense pressure, especially for those of us from more modest backgrounds who aren’t used to saying no. —Remy Blumenfeld, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 July 2024

The dance between the two galaxies has exerted a gravitational tug on parts of the Penguin, causing some of the gas and dust that fills the galaxy to collide and lead to waves of star formation. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 July 2024

Sitting for long periods on the toilet and straining can exert extra pressure on the tailbone. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024

But Fender's follow-up, launched in 1954, exerted even more leverage on history, unlocking new sounds that have reverberated through the decades. —New Atlas, 10 July 2024

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

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