exert (ɪɡˈzɜːt
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to use (influence, authority, etc) forcefully or effectively
- to apply (oneself) diligently; make a strenuous effort
Alternative Forms
exˈertion noun exˈertive adjectiveWord Origin
C17 (in the sense: push forth, emit): from Latin exserere to thrust out, from ex-C17 (in the sense: push forth, emit): from Latin to thrust out, from 1 + to bind together, entwine + serere to bind together, entwineSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
apply,
use,
exercise,
employ,
wield,
make use of,
utilize,
expend,
bring to bear,
put forth,
bring into play
Usage examples
Henry, waiting humbly and hopefully, did not look at Alistair either, as if he felt that to do so might be to exert an unfair pressure.
, Unreasonable Doubt (1986)Where symptoms have the dominant influence, reporting bias may exert an important influence.
British Medical Journal (2002)At least some of the fascination this theft continues to exert arises from the concept of the Irish Crown Jewels.
Irish Times (2002)Russian computer hackers claimed they'd found evidence of tests being held in Japan to exert computerised control over the ball.
Sun, News of the World (2002)The consumer commands the buying power and he or she can exert a considerable influence over how our food is grown and manufactured.
, The Residue Report - an action plan for safer food (1988)