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

• exˈertive, adjective
• exˈertion, noun

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

Each of the three compounds appears to exert its toxic effects on the tuberculosis bacterium by severely disrupting cellular levels of a class of compounds known as thiols -- several of which play essential roles in the molecular processes that help keep bacterial cells alive and functional.

From Science Daily

The film is plenty steamy, but its core is about control — how we exert it, who we surrender it to and how it both limits and expands who we think are.

From Los Angeles Times

“They have an opportunity to exert power in a way that hasn’t been done before,” said Susannah Delano, executive director of Close the Gap California, which works to elect progressive women.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet other platforms appeared to exert little pull for many researchers.

From Science Magazine

What they do need is for their employers — especially the large companies that design their own health plans or exert considerable influence over third-party insurers' coverage decisions — to adopt a smarter approach to the problem.

From Salon

Related Words

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