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 bad influence on his students

3

: employ, wield

exerted her leadership abilities intelligently

Synonyms

• apply
• exercise
• ply
• put out
• wield

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

Benjamin Duke exerted a major influence on his brother’s philanthropic priorities. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Despite this, the U.S. and its partners aim to ensure that the Islamic State (IS) group, which still has a presence in Syria, cannot exploit the leadership void and once again exert control over wide swaths of the country. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Ackman has since used his public platform to exert pressure on politicians and administrators to scrap diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. —Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024

This can be catastrophic for people who’ve recently been exerting themselves, Steinberg explained, because their bodies need more oxygen. —Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024

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

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