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 contracts provide a glimpse of the material comforts of being a Stryker consultant, as well as the amount of control the company exerts over what the doctor can say publicly about its devices. —Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025

Whether in love, work or regarding collaboration, this is your cue to stop over-exerting yourself. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

If that practice becomes widespread, then Article 6 will amount to a paper-shuffling exercise that exerts no downward pressure on total global emissions. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2025

Inside, another student said university officials overstepped and exerted too much control over the event. —Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 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