exert

[ ig-zurt ]
See synonyms for: exertexertedexertingexerts on Thesaurus.com

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.

Origin of exert

1
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”

Other words from exert

  • 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

Words Nearby exert

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use exert in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for exert

exert

/ (ɪɡˈzɜːt) /


verb(tr)
  1. to use (influence, authority, etc) forcefully or effectively

  2. to apply (oneself) diligently; make a strenuous effort

Origin of exert

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

Derived forms of exert

  • exertion, noun
  • exertive, adjective

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