exert

verb

ex·​ert ig-ˈzərt How to pronounce exert (audio)
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

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 Today, traditional enterprise data center networks are not ready to handle the intense pressure exerted by advanced AI workloads, according to Bob Laliberte, principal analyst, theCUBE Research. Gary Drenik, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Expect a ‘more radical’ Trump Besides tariffs, economists are also vexed by Trump’s desire to exert more control over the Federal Reserve. Hanna Ziady, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024 In the end, long-term stock market performance will likely depend on economic forces over which Harris, or any president, will exert limited control, Cox added. Max Zahn, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2024 But time has been unkind to these Sienese artists, who are only given a brief mention in Art History 101 courses, where Florentine painters still exert a strong, centrifugal force. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exert 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exert.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of exert was circa 1630

Dictionary Entries Near exert

Cite this Entry

“Exert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exert. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

exert

verb
ex·​ert ig-ˈzərt How to pronounce exert (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on exert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!