exert

[ ig-zurt ]

/ ɪgˈzɜrt /

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.

Nearby words

exercycle, exeresis, exergaming, exergonic, exergue, exert, exert oneself, exertainment, exertion, exeter, exeunt

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 forms

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

well-ex·ert·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for exerts

And second, well, no, sorry—violence and death are not what you inevitably get when the United States exerts its influence.
Why Liberals Should Back Iraq Intervention|Michael Tomasky|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Facebook exerts an inordinate amount of control over your life.
Seven Hacks to Revolutionize Your Facebook Experience|Nina Strochlic|September 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
First of all, it exerts a new level of hegemonic control over users' experiences.
Facebook's Dilemma: Invade Privacy or Go Bust|David Frum|May 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The articles say Miscavige exerts such influence that “managers follow his orders, however bizarre, with lemming-like obedience.”
Is Scientology's Wall Cracking?|Kim Masters|June 28, 2009|DAILY BEAST

No wonder, therefore, if he exerts himself to prevent her, and to be revenged.
Clarissa, Volume 5 (of 9)|Samuel Richardson
Was he one of those cold and passionless men upon whom no woman ever exerts an intense influence?
The Harbor of Doubt|Frank Williams
And here again he exerts a power for good, confirming and strengthening the teachings of the past week.
Twentieth Century Negro Literature|Various
It contains many distinguished men, and exerts great influence on the history of the country.
Elements of Civil Government|Alexander L. Peterman
Upon some it has little action, while upon others, especially women, it exerts extraordinary power.
Poison Romance and Poison Mysteries|C. J. S. Thompson

British Dictionary definitions for exerts

exert

/ (ɪɡˈzɜːt) /

verb (tr)

to use (influence, authority, etc) forcefully or effectively

to apply (oneself) diligently; make a strenuous effort

Derived Forms

exertion, nounexertive, adjective

Word Origin for exert

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