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.
Hear it pronounced