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
• 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

Meanwhile, ComEd — the state’s dominant utility — still exerts enormous influence over Illinois’ energy policy. —Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025

The pulses appear to exert varying pressure that pushes on each rift zone differently, depending on the way the rift moves and the thickness of the crust on either side. —Nora Bradford, Scientific American, 7 July 2025

Germany, despite being one of the largest economies in the world, exerts minimal influence on international food culture. —Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

North Korea will exert greater assertiveness and power. —Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

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