definitions

exert

[ ig-zurt ]
/ ɪgˈzɜrt /
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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.

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RELATED WORDS

expend, wield, utilize, apply, exercise, strive, plug, use, dig, toil, work, ply, labor, employ, strain, struggle, push, endeavor, throw

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

Examples from the Web for exerts

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 Formsexertion, 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