From Latin exsertus, past participle of exserere, from ex- + serere.

• (America) IPA: /ɪɡˈzɝt/
• (RP) IPA: /ɪɡˈzɜːt/

exert (exerts, present participle exerting; simple past and past participle exerted)

1. To put in vigorous action.

   I exerted myself in today's training.

2. To make use of, to apply, especially of something non-material; to exercise; to bring to bear.

   He considered exerting his influence on John to gain an advantage for himself.

   • 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 19, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC ↗:

     Meanwhile Nanny Broome was recovering from her initial panic and seemed anxious to make up for any kudos she might have lost, by exerting her personality to the utmost. She took the policeman's helmet and placed it on a chair, and unfolded his tunic to shake it and fold it up again for him.

• (to make use of) utilize

• exertion

• French: exercer
• German: anstrengen
• Italian: sforzare
• Portuguese: esforçar
• Spanish: esforzar

• German: ausüben
• Italian: esercitare
• Portuguese: aplicar
• Spanish: ejercer, aplicar