C1verbformalpoliticshealth
US/ɪɡˈzɜːrt/
UK/ɪɡˈzɜːt/
to use power, influence or pressure to affect something; also to make a big physical or mental effort
In context
Parents exert a strong influence on their children's eating habits.
The union is exerting pressure on the company to raise wages.
Don't exert yourself too much in the first week after the operation.
Words that go with exert
verb + noun
- exert influenceBig companies exert influence on lawmakers in many ways.
- exert pressureParents often exert pressure on their children to study medicine.
- exert controlThe government exerts strict control over the media.
- exert forceMuscles exert force on the bones to move them.
- exert yourselfYou shouldn't exert yourself in this heat.
- exert powerTech companies exert enormous power over what we read online.
- exert an effectSleep exerts a strong effect on memory.