Definition of exert
transitive verb
1a : to put forth (strength, effort, etc.) the force is exerted sidewaysb : 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
Read the Latest from M-W
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
-
And the army’s media wing exerts a powerful influence on the press.
-
Chavez emerged from the strike and exerted control over the private sector with years of expropriations, strict regulations and imports bought with oil money and meant to replace local production.
-
Chavez emerged from the strike and exerted control over the private sector with years of expropriations, strict regulations and imports bought with oil money and meant to replace local production.
-
All four used their oaths of office to protest attempts by Beijing to exert more control over internal affairs in Hong Kong, which has been an increasing concern of citizens in the city since the Chinese took control 20 years ago.
-
Here was a slender starting pitcher, 18 years old for another two weeks, exerting minimal energy to produce triple digits.
-
Yet as Trump flounders and tramples the sensibility of world leaders, the young Trudeau has punched above Canada’s weight in exerting soft power around the globe.
-
But Russia’s bid committee was cleared of any wrongdoing, with the report finding no evidence of collusion with other bids, no violations of rules on gifts, and no signs that the Russians had tried to exert influence on any voters.
-
And sweating fashionistas — who fanned themselves with program notes against the sweltering Paris heat wave — didn’t need to exert themselves trying to imagine how that desert might feel.
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
EXERT Defined for English Language Learners
exert
playDefinition 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
playDefinition 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
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up exert? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!