exert

verb

ex·​ert ig-ˈzərt How to pronounce exert (audio)
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

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 The majority of votes will be counted over the next three days, including in occupied parts of Ukraine where Russian forces are attempting to exert authority. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 The move was welcomed by some members of the Russian opposition, who have called on the West to use incentives as well as penalties to exert pressure on the Kremlin. Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The winds will exert a chill, so dress for winter even as sunshine pushes highs above 50 for most. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024 Mistakes become injustices, and injustices do exist: the power exerted by referees, like that of any authority, can be, at times, deployed capriciously. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2024 And the two nations can exert pressure on Qatar to curb Hamas by severing the group’s financial support. Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2024 California occasionally even exerted presidential clout back when races began later. George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 Seeks to exert control over situations and people out of fear and anxiety. Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 However, its application has been widely accepted in Gambia’s transitional justice process, and proponents stress that universal jurisdiction trials can be an effective tool to exert pressure on governments to take domestic legal action as well. David Bruckmeier, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exert.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of exert was circa 1630

Dictionary Entries Near exert

Cite this Entry

“Exert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exert. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

exert

verb
ex·​ert ig-ˈzərt How to pronounce exert (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on exert

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