exert

verb

ex·​ert ig-ˈzərt 

exerted; exerting; exerts

transitive verb

1

a

: to put forth (strength, effort, etc.)

the force is exerted sideways

b

: to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort

won't have to exert himself moving the table

2

: to bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect

exerted a bad influence on his students

3

: employ, wield

exerted her leadership abilities intelligently

Synonyms

• apply
• exercise
• ply
• put out
• wield

Examples of exert in a Sentence

He had to exert all of his strength to move the stone.

He exerts a lot of influence on the other members of the committee.

the force exerted by the machine

Recent Examples on the Web

Steadily, Emery’s side exerted control and after Simon Adingra had a goal ruled out for handball, Villa seized the initiative. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025

This neglect has opened the door for China and Russia to exert increasing influence across the Western Hemisphere. —Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025

Beijing’s effort to exert political pressure marks a major test of its extraterritorial influence over commercial transactions, and of the independence of Chinese firms based in Hong Kong. —Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Mar. 2025

Last spring, Chapman wasn’t in any position to exert his influence. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin exsertus, past participle of exserere to thrust out, from ex- + serere to join — more at series

First Known Use

circa 1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing exert

• exert one self

Rhymes for exert

• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• inert
• insert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt
• revert

Kids Definition

exert

verb

ex·​ert ig-ˈzərt 

1

: to put forth (as strength)

the force exerted by a machine

: bring into use or action

exert influence

2

: to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort

don't exert yourself too much