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

Other Word Forms

• exertive adjective
• nonexertive adjective
• superexert verb (used with object)
• unexerted adjective
• well-exerted adjective
• exertion noun

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

Spare capacity, or slack, can exert downward pressure on prices, and squeeze corporate profit margins.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That suggests the platform is trying to diversify its traffic sources, and is potentially starting to exert more influence over user growth, they say.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Asean advocates says this is what keeps it united, and that it can quietly exert pressure effectively behind the scenes – but detractors say it makes it toothless.

Read more on BBC

Despite this, he agreed Mahek's "youth and her acknowledged immaturity were given far too little weight", and should have "exerted a substantial downward pressure on the minimum term".

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"But also, he seeks to establish a maximum point of control and exert power over the region in relation to Venezuela. So, clearly, there is an important geopolitical issue here."

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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