Ex-ërt', v. t.
(egz-ërt'), v. t. [imp. & p. p. EXERTED; p. pr. & vb. n. EXERTING.] [Lat. exercere, exserere, exertum, exsertum, from ex and serere, to join or bind together.]
Sense 1. To thrust forth; to emit; to push out. [Obs.]
So from the seas exerts his radiant head The star by whom the lights of heaven are led. Dryden.
Sense 2. To put forth, as strength, force, or ability; to put in vigorous or violent action; to bring into active operation; as, to exert the strength of the body or limbs; to exert efforts; to exert the powers or faculties; to exert the mind.
Sense 3. To put forth as the result or exercise of effort; to do or perform.
When the will has exerted an act of command on any faculty of the soul. South.
To exert one's self, to use efforts or endeavors; to strive; to make an attempt.