exert

[ ig-zurt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put forth or into use, as power; exercise, as ability or influence; put into vigorous action:

   to exert every effort.

2. to put (oneself ) into strenuous, vigorous action or effort.

exert

/ ɪɡˈzɜːt /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• exˈertive, adjective
• exˈertion, noun

Other Words From

• ex·ertive adjective
• nonex·ertive adjective
• super·ex·ert verb (used with object)
• unex·erted adjective
• well-ex·erted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exert¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of exert¹

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

Example Sentences

“They have an opportunity to exert power in a way that hasn’t been done before,” said Susannah Delano, executive director of Close the Gap California, which works to elect progressive women.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet other platforms appeared to exert little pull for many researchers.

From Science Magazine

Above a certain cell density, synNotch exerted a weaker effect and didn't produce the same patterns.

From Science Daily

What they do need is for their employers — especially the large companies that design their own health plans or exert considerable influence over third-party insurers' coverage decisions — to adopt a smarter approach to the problem.

From Salon

Zelensky recently said he expected Trump to exert pressure on Ukraine and Russia to agree a peace deal within the next year.

From BBC

Related Words

• apply
• bring to bear
• exercise
• expend
• strive
• utilize
• wield