Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Exert?

\Ex*ert"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Exerted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Exerting}.] [L. exertus, exsertus, p. p. of exerere, exserere, to thrust out; ex out + serere to join or bind together. See {Series}, and cf. {Exsert}.] 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. 2. To put force, ability, or anything of the nature of an active faculty; to put in vigorous action; to bring into active operation; as, to exert the strength of the body, limbs, faculties, or imagination; to exert the mind or the voice. 3. To put forth, as the result or exercise of effort; to bring to bear; to do or perform. When we will has exerted an act of command on any faculty of the soul or member of the body. --South. {To exert one's self}, to use efforts or endeavors; to strive; to make an attempt.