exert

[ ig-zurt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put forth or into use, as power; exercise, as ability or influence; put into vigorous action:

   to exert every effort.

2. to put (oneself ) into strenuous, vigorous action or effort.

exert

/ ɪɡˈzɜːt /

verb

1. to use (influence, authority, etc) forcefully or effectively
2. to apply (oneself) diligently; make a strenuous effort

Derived Forms

• exˈertion, noun
• exˈertive, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·ertive adjective
• nonex·ertive adjective
• super·ex·ert verb (used with object)
• unex·erted adjective
• well-ex·erted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exert¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin ex(s)ertus, past participle of exserere “to thrust out,” from ex- ex- ¹ + serere “to connect, join together”

Word History and Origins

Origin of exert¹

C17 (in the sense: push forth, emit): from Latin exserere to thrust out, from ex- ¹+ serere to bind together, entwine

Example Sentences

Since Ikhrata came on board, Mayor Kevin Faulconer – or other city representatives attending on his behalf – have liberally wielded the weighted vote to exert their influence at the regional government, and overwhelmingly to Ikhrata’s benefit.

From Voice of San Diego

A laser exerted forces on each bead, producing an energy landscape, or potential.

From Science News

It just becomes weaker with distance from the object exerting the gravitational force.

From Science News For Students

The new experiment reveals that the snakes also exert a complex combination of movements as they soar.

From Science News

Without the gravitational force exerted by this dark matter, stars in typical dwarf galaxies would escape their galactic homes, and galaxies in galaxy clusters would escape their abodes as well.

From Science News

His self-doubt prompts him to exert more control and project bitterness.

From The Daily Beast

They will never again exert the statewide control of the past.

From The Daily Beast

But these brand-new technologies also allow fertile women to exert extraordinary control in creating their families.

From The Daily Beast

Younger judges can exert their influence for decades, and can even be candidates for later Supreme Court vacancies.

From The Daily Beast

And then it meant that I knew the power that I, as Eric, could exert over him—even in the few first moments when I speak to him.

From The Daily Beast

Liszt himself doesn't play the chords as well as Gurickx;—perhaps because he does not care now to exert the strength.

From Project Gutenberg

His work is destined to exert considerable influence upon the art.

From Project Gutenberg

Margaret tried to talk of other things, but was in too much discomfort to exert herself enough to divert his attention.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably, however, there was no single individual in the commonwealth who could exert as much influence as he.

From Project Gutenberg

"Perhaps your ladyship can persuade Lady Hartledon to exert herself," suggested the bland doctor.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• apply
• bring to bear
• exercise
• expend
• strive
• utilize
• wield