exerts

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   Uses power, influence, or strength to affect someone or something.

   Grammar: Takes an object: exert pressure, exert influence. Often followed by on: exert pressure on the government.

   Patterns

   • exert something on someone/something
   • exert pressure on someone
   • exert influence over someone

   The union exerts considerable influence on local politics.

   Large companies exert pressure on suppliers to lower their prices.

   She exerts a calming effect on the whole team.

2. 2verbtransitive

   Makes a great physical or mental effort to do something.

   Grammar: Usually used as exert yourself, with a reflexive pronoun. No object other than yourself.

   Patterns

   • exert yourself
   • exert yourself to do something

   You'll need to exert yourself if you want to finish the race.

   He never exerts himself more than necessary at work.

Word forms

Common combinations

exert pressure on

The media exerted pressure on the minister to resign.

exert influence over

He still exerts influence over the committee's decisions.

exert control over

The government tried to exert control over the internet.

exert yourself

Don't exert yourself too much after the operation.

Synonyms and how they differ

apply

Apply is used for putting something such as pressure or force into action, and is often more neutral than exert.

wield

Wield suggests holding and using power or authority, often in a more deliberate or visible way than exert.

Word family

exertion noun

Physical or mental effort.

Commonly confused: exerts or exult?

Practice

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