Exert Definition

ĭg-zûrt

exerted, exerting, exerts

verb

exerted, exerting, exerts

To put forth or use energetically; put into action or use.

To exert strength, influence, etc.

Webster's New World

To bring to bear; exercise.

Exert influence.

American Heritage

To apply (oneself) with great energy or straining effort.

Webster's New World

To make use of, to apply, especially of something non-material.

He considered exerting his influence on John to gain an advantage for himself.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Origin of Exert

Latin exserere exsert- to put forth, stretch out ex- ex- serere to join ser-² in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Latin exsertus, past participle of exsero.

From Wiktionary