exert
Americanverb (used with object)
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to put forth or into use, as power; exercise, as ability or influence; put into vigorous action.
to exert every effort.
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to put (oneself ) into strenuous, vigorous action or effort.
verb
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to use (influence, authority, etc) forcefully or effectively
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to apply (oneself) diligently; make a strenuous effort
Other Word Forms
- exertion noun
- exertive adjective
- nonexertive adjective
- superexert verb (used with object)
- unexerted adjective
- well-exerted adjective
Etymology
Origin of exert
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”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Wright also exerted financial control, leaving her "penniless".
From BBC
He continues to use it because he finds that “a fictional personage does exert a slightly disinhibiting effect” on his writing—“always in the service of truth, of course.”
But the Dow comprises only 30 companies, weighted by share prices, so a sharp change in an expensive stock can exert strong pressure on the average.
From Los Angeles Times
In recent years, Bob’s has worked to insulate itself from supply-chain disruptions and tariffs by exerting greater control over its sourcing.
Some board members had previously expressed concerns about how much influence Taylor Fresh Foods could exert.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
