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

Rezaei’s remarks are another indication of the control exerted by Tehran’s hardliners and their growing readiness to adopt a more offensive posture. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

But the league forced Frank McCourt to sell the Dodgers in 2012 by exerting pressure and threatening a financial takeover or disciplinary action that would have stripped operational control. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

This work is part of a much broader story about how genes exert their effects. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

In an interview with Fox News' Trey Yingst, Kushner said the president was focused on exerting economic pressure on Iran and ensuring Tehran cannot build a nuclear weapon. — August 18, CBS News, 18 Aug. 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