First Known Use: circa 1630
Dictionary
exert
verb ex·ert \ig-ˈzərt\
: to use (strength, ability, etc.)
: to cause (force, effort, etc.) to have an effect or to be felt
Full 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>
See exert defined for English-language learners
See exert defined for kids
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Origin of EXERT
Latin exsertus, past participle of exserere to thrust out, from ex- + serere to join — more at series
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
EXERT Defined for Kids
exert
verb ex·ert \ig-ˈzərt\
ex·ert·edex·ert·ing
Definition of EXERT for Kids
1
: to put forth (as strength) : bring into use <He exerted force to open the jar.>
2
: to make an effort <She exerts herself to help others.>
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