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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

So from the seas exerts his radiant head
The star by whom the lights of heaven are led. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To put forth, as the result or exercise of effort; to bring to bear; to do or perform. [ 1913 Webster ]

When we will has exerted an act of command on any faculty of the soul or member of the body. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

To exert one's self, to use efforts or endeavors; to strive; to make an attempt. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of exerting, or putting into motion or action; the active exercise of any power or faculty; an effort, esp. a laborious or perceptible effort; as, an exertion of strength or power; an exertion of the limbs or of the mind; it is an exertion for him to move, to-day.

Syn. -- Attempt; endeavor; effort; essay; trial. See Attempt. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having power or a tendency to exert; using exertion. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Exertion. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Lack of exertion; lack of effort; defect of action; indolence; laziness. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To exert too much. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Excessive exertion; as, he strained his back from overexertion. [ 1913 Webster ]