exert

[ig-zurt]

See more synonyms for exert on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to put forth or into use, as power; exercise, as ability or influence; put into vigorous action: to exert every effort.
to put (oneself) into strenuous, vigorous action or effort.

Origin of exert

1650–60; < Latin ex(s)ertus, past participle of exserere to thrust out, equivalent to ex- ex-¹ + ser(ere) to bind together + -tus past participle suffix

Related formsex·er·tive, adjectivenon·ex·er·tive, adjectivesu·per·ex·ert, verb (used with object)un·ex·ert·ed, adjectivewell-ex·ert·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for exerted

Contemporary Examples

After a few years in which Washington has exerted a malign force on demand, it is showing signs of becoming a neutral force.
With the Ryan-Murray Deal, Washington Stops Hurting the Economy
Daniel Gross
December 11, 2013
I wish that Peter Beinart had exerted greater efforts to make Open Zion the type of institution that could survive his departure.
Open Zion Created a Valuable Community and is Closing Prematurely
Rachel Cohen
November 11, 2013
The pressure Toyota exerted forced other automakers to adapt—in a way that benefited consumers and the auto industry as a whole.
Tesla’s Rise Forces Other Automakers to Up Their Electric Car Game
Daniel Gross
September 25, 2013
GOP leaders have exerted pressure on him to toe the party line, but ultimately they understand his unique situation, Cao said.
The Only Republican to Vote for Health Care
Benjamin Sarlin
September 16, 2009

Historical Examples

He sprang to the rock, and exerted his utmost strength to dislodge it.
Brave and Bold
Horatio Alger
Mrs. Roberts exerted herself to laugh with him, albeit she was horror-stricken.
Ester Ried Yet Speaking
Isabella Alden
He exerted his will and called himself foolish, but in vain.
The Rock of Chickamauga
Joseph A. Altsheler
And indeed had his speed been tenfold greater than it was, it had been exerted to no purpose.
Imogen
William Godwin
The medium had exerted every spiritual faculty to receive the truth.
Mountain Meditations
L. Lind-af-Hageby

British Dictionary definitions for exerted

exert

verb (tr)

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

Derived Formsexertion, nounexertive, adjective

Word Origin

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for exerted

exert

v.

1660s, "thrust forth, push out," from Latin exertus/exsertus, past participle of exerere/exserere "thrust out, put forth," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + serere "attach, join" (see series). Meaning "put into use" is 1680s. Related: Exerted; exerting.

exert

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Examples from the Web for exerted

Contemporary Examples

After a few years in which Washington has exerted a malign force on demand, it is showing signs of becoming a neutral force.

I wish that Peter Beinart had exerted greater efforts to make Open Zion the type of institution that could survive his departure.

The pressure Toyota exerted forced other automakers to adapt—in a way that benefited consumers and the auto industry as a whole.

GOP leaders have exerted pressure on him to toe the party line, but ultimately they understand his unique situation, Cao said.

Historical Examples

He sprang to the rock, and exerted his utmost strength to dislodge it.

Mrs. Roberts exerted herself to laugh with him, albeit she was horror-stricken.

He exerted his will and called himself foolish, but in vain.

And indeed had his speed been tenfold greater than it was, it had been exerted to no purpose.

The medium had exerted every spiritual faculty to receive the truth.

exert

Word Origin

Word Origin and History for exerted

exert

v.

Origin of exert