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

Synonyms: apply, exercise, ply, put out, wield

Related Words: employ, use, utilize; abuse, misapply, misuse

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Rhymes with EXERT

advert, alert, assert, avert, bellwort, birthwort, Blackshirt, brownshirt, bush shirt, camp shirt, colewort, concert, convert, covert, desert, dessert, dissert, divert, dress shirt, evert, expert, exsert, figwort, fleawort, glasswort, hair shirt, Hastert, hornwort, inert, insert, invert, lousewort, lungwort, madwort, milkwort, mugwort, nightshirt, outskirt, overt, pay dirt, pervert, pilewort, ragwort, redshirt, revert, ribwort, saltwort, sandwort, Schubert, seagirt, sea squirt, soapwort, spearwort, spleenwort, stitchwort, stonewort, stuffed shirt, subvert, sweatshirt, toothwort, T-shirt, ungirt