exert


ex·ert

verb \ig-ˈzərt\

Definition of EXERT

transitive verb
1
a : to put forth (as strength) <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

  1. He had to exert all of his strength to move the stone.
  2. He exerts a lot of influence on the other members of the committee.
  3. the force exerted by the machine

Origin of EXERT

Latin exsertus, past participle of exserere to thrust out, from ex- + serere to join — more at series
First Known Use: circa 1630

Related to EXERT

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: exertion
Previous Word in the Dictionary: exergue
All Words Near: exert

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up exert? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Test Your Vocabulary

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Name That Thing

Take our visual vocab quiz

Test Your Knowledge »

True or False?

A quick quiz about stuff worth knowing

Take It Now »

Join Us on FB & Twitter

Get the Word of the Day and More

Facebook | Twitter

Get Our Free Apps

Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More

iPhone | iPad | Android | More