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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Given that Republicans enjoy a 88-62 advantage in the House and a 19-11 majority in the Senate, which includes one vacancy, Republicans will likely exert their will in both chambers, said Cal Jillson, a 30-year political science professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 18 July 2025 What To Know Zandi, who has this year sounded several alarms about the health and trajectory of the U.S. economy under President Donald Trump, said his concerns were raised by persistently high mortgage rates, which had exerted pressure on several aspects of the housing market. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025 Systolic blood pressure is the top number on a blood pressure reading, which represents the pressure exerted on the arteries when the heart beats. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025 After all the fussing and fidgeting exerted in trying to nail just the right mix of comic book action, comedy and pathos, the movie emerges as a tone-deaf mishmash of underdeveloped characters, half-baked humor and unhatched plotting drenched in CGI overkill. Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for exert

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exert. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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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