What does exert mean?
To exert something is to bring it into active use — typically force, pressure, influence, authority, or effort — in order to produce an effect. A government may exert control over an industry, a magnet exerts a pull on iron filings, and a negotiator exerts pressure to reach a deal. The verb also appears reflexively as 'exert oneself,' meaning to make a strenuous physical or mental effort, as when someone exerts themselves to meet a deadline. Somewhat formal in register, 'exert' is common in journalism, science, and professional writing precisely because it names deliberate, directed application of power rather than casual use. Its connotations are neutral but often suggest effortful agency: whatever is exerted does not act on its own but must be deliberately brought to bear. The noun form is 'exertion,' meaning vigorous effort.
To apply or bring to bear force, influence, effort, or authority in order to achieve an effect.
"The court ruled that the agency had exceeded its mandate by exerting control over local zoning decisions."
Most often followed by an abstract object: 'pressure', 'influence', 'control', 'authority'.
To make a strenuous physical or mental effort; usually in the reflexive form 'exert oneself'.
"He had to exert himself to carry the sofa up three flights of stairs."
Almost always reflexive in this sense.
Hidden inside 'exert' is the Latin 'exserere' — literally 'to thrust out' — the same root that gives us 'series': both words are about putting things forth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exert
'Exert' comes from the Latin 'exserere,' meaning 'to thrust out' or 'to put forth,' formed from 'ex-' ('out') and 'serere' ('to join, bind, or sow'). The word entered English in the mid-17th century, likely via French or directly from scholarly Latin, and soon developed its senses of applying force or making strenuous effort. It shares the root 'serere' with words such as 'series', 'assert', and 'insert'.
Related word forms
How exert is actually used
'Exert' is somewhat formal and is most at home in written and professional contexts; in everyday speech people often prefer simpler verbs like 'use' or 'put on'. It is frequently used reflexively ('exert oneself') when describing personal effort, and transitively with abstract objects such as 'pressure', 'influence', 'control', or 'authority' when describing power applied by one party over another.
Easily confused with exert
'Exert' means to apply effort or force, while 'exhort' means to strongly urge or encourage someone to do something.