igˈzər]t, eg-, -zə̄], -zəi], usu ]d.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin exertus, exsertus, past participle of exerere, exserere to thrust out, from ex- ex- (I) + serere to join together — more at series
1. obsolete : to thrust forth : emit
2.
a. : to put forth or put out (as strength, power, or effort) : bring (as a force) into play : set in operation : make effective
he had to exert all his strength to move the stone
b. : to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort
if people are to exert themselves they must be convinced — A.J.P.Taylor
3. obsolete : show , reveal
4. : to bring (as a force, an influence) to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect
never would have entered the political arena at all if his father had not exerted relentless pressure — Bennett Cerf
forms which exerted a profound influence on late buildings — American Guide Series: New York City
his long poetic career … continues to exert a special fascination — Delmore Schwartz
5. : exercise , wield
a chance to exert leadership in a constructive way — Education Digest
disguised aristocracies, where courtiers or even courtesans frequently exert the real power — M.R.Cohen