exert Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb put to use
    exercise.
    • exert one's power or influence
  2. verb have and exercise
    maintain; wield.
    • wield power and authority
  3. verb make a great effort at a mental or physical task
    • exert oneself

WordNet

Ex*ert" transitive verb
Etymology
L. exertus, exsertus, p.p. of exerere, exserere, to thrust out; ex out + serere to join or bind together. See Series, and cf. Exsert.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Exerted; present participle & verbal noun Exerting
Definitions
  1. To thrust forth; to emit; to push out. Obs.
    So from the seas exerts his radiant head The star by whom the lights of heaven are led. Dryden.
  2. To put force, ability, or anything of the nature of an active faculty; to put in vigorous action; to bring into active operation; as, to exert the strength of the body, limbs, faculties, or imagination; to exert the mind or the voice.
  3. To put forth, as the result or exercise of effort; to bring to bear; to do or perform.
    When we will has exerted an act of command on any faculty of the soul or member of the body. South.

Webster 1913