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

Come Monday, as the monsoonal moisture begins to exert influence, temperatures in the hottest places are expected to rise into the mid-90s. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

His team has also received worried messages from Gulf States deeply concerned about Iran’s plan to try to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz by charging some sort of toll or fee. — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Texas Tech parted ways with the quarterback after other Big 12 teams exerted pressure on the Red Raiders, who had cleared Sorsby despite a betting scandal that included wagering on his own team at Indiana. — Cal Phillips updated July 7, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

Any regression towards historical averages would exert considerable pressure on the stock’s multiples. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 7 July 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