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 lot of influence on fellow committee members

3

: employ, wield

exerted leadership abilities intelligently

Synonyms of exert

• apply
• use
• wield
• employ

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

Hormone shifts, of course, can exert some influence on mood. —Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026

The price of goods like gasoline suggest we are not headed in the correct direction, our legislative branch lacks real leadership and fails to exert itself as the safeguard it is meant to be on the executive branch. —Kevin Fixler may 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026

The effort Minnesota exerted on the defensive end and the glass is exhausting. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 3 May 2026

With just the right amount of roughness, the ocean is the perfect place for littles ones to exert their boundless energy. —Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 2 May 2026

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