ex ‧ ert /ɪɡˈzɜːt $ -ɜːrt/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: exsertus , past participle of exserere 'to push out' ]
1 . to use your power, influence etc in order to make something happen:
They exerted considerable influence within the school.
Environmental groups are exerting pressure on the government to tighten pollution laws.
2 . exert yourself to work very hard and use a lot of physical or mental energy:
He has exerted himself tirelessly on behalf of the charity.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ exert pressure
Did Democratic leaders exert pressure on their colleagues to vote for the new law?
▪ exert influence
These large companies exert considerable influence over the government.
▪ exert control
The state should not exert control over the media.
▪ exert power
He exerts considerable power within the family.
▪ exert authority
It is every parent's responsibility to exert their authority by laying down some firm rules.
▪ exert discipline
Exerting discipline is essential, especially when there are problem students in the class.
▪ exert effort
We exerted every effort to get there on time.
▪ exert your will (=make something happen in the way that you want)
The army exerted its will by arresting anti-government supporters.