To put in effort, energy, or force to accomplish something, or to put pressure on something.
From Latin 'exserere,' meaning 'to thrust out' or 'put forth' (from 'ex-' meaning 'out' + 'serere' meaning 'to sow or plant'). The word entered English in the 16th century with the sense of putting forth effort.
Exert comes from the image of 'thrusting something out'—like when you exert strength, you're literally pushing yourself outward with effort. Athletes talk about exerting themselves, and it's a way of saying they're giving it everything!
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