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

The most famous is Bernoulli’s principle, which states that an increase in the speed of a fluid decreases the pressure exerted by the fluid. —Cat Rainsford, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2026

In its rulebook, Kalshi explicitly bans insider trading from anyone who has access to material nonpublic information related to a contract, or could exert influence on the subject of the contract. —Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026

Guardiola may have defensive injury issues, too, but the respective physical toll exerted could not be more contrasting. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026

How China exerts its influence across the globe Start with the political architecture. —Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 11 Jan. 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