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

Foreman belonged to an era when boxing exerted a vast pull on pop culture. —Issy Ronald, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025

Will Novo Nordisk’s stock down 40% over the past year, will the Trump Administration pursue lax enforcement of drug compounders in order to exert pressure on a huge driver of Denmark’s economy? —Seth Joseph, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

That was the type of on-the-glass dominance Gobert exerted plenty in past seasons but has been more inconsistent this season. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2025

Next week’s options expiration is handicapped to exert an upward bias. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 15 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