Exert

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ɪɡˈzɝt/

Definitions

1. To apply force, effort, or influence in order to bring about an effect or achieve a result
2. To apply physical or mental effort, influence, or power towards reaching a goal or producing a specific outcome
3. To utilize force, energy, or authority in order to affect change or accomplish a particular task

Etymology: Latin "exserere" meant to thrust something out or stretch it forth, and its past participle "exsertus" described something that stuck out, like a stretched-out limb. The word came from "ex-", meaning "out," joined to "serere," which meant to string together or join in a row. Picture a thing pushed outward from its place, and you have the physical core of the word. English took the sense from that physical image and moved it toward effort. To exert yourself was originally to thrust your strength outward, the way a body pushes against resistance. Over time the thrust went inward too: you can exert influence over a decision or exert pressure on an opponent, with no muscle involved at all. The same outward push that once described a limb now describes a will or a force applied to a goal.

Synonyms: apply, exercise, utilize, employ, wield

Antonyms: relax, idle, refrain