exhort

[ig-zawrt]

verb (used with object)

1. to urge, advise, or caution earnestly; admonish urgently.

   Synonyms: goad, press, spur, encourage

verb (used without object)

1. to give urgent advice, recommendations, or warnings.

   Synonyms: goad, press, spur, encourage

exhort

/ ɪɡˈzɔːtətɪv, ɪɡˈzɔːt /

verb

1. to urge or persuade (someone) earnestly; advise strongly

Other Word Forms

• exhorter noun
• exhortingly adverb
• unexhorted adjective
• exhortative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exhort¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English ex(h)orte, from Latin exhortārī “to encourage greatly,” from ex- ex- ¹ + hortārī “to encourage, urge”

Word History and Origins

Origin of exhort¹

C14: from Latin exhortārī, from hortārī to urge

Example Sentences

The show ends by exhorting visitors to help continue the Declaration’s journey.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Its anti-misogyny message—the refrain exhorts listeners to “think about it / do something about it”—was important to the couple.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Abd-Al-Rahman exhorted his soldiers with the phrase “wipe out and sweep away” before they attacked, according to the decision.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After exhorting his team to meet fear, fatigue and pressure with energy, Bunting did the same.

Read more on BBC

The chorus, which appears in the final movement to exhort us to cease trembling and prepare to live, proved its own inspiration.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admonish 
• advise 
• beseech 
• call upon 
• caution 
• encourage 
• enjoin 
• incite 
• persuade 
• preach 
• prod