exerted

Exerted is the past tense and past participle of the verb exert. It means to apply or bring to bear a force, influence, or authority, or to put forth physical or mental effort. In everyday use, people may say someone exerted effort to complete a task, or that a government exerted pressure to change policy. The term is commonly used in physical, social, and professional contexts.

In physics and engineering, one talks about a force or pressure exerted on an object. In medicine or biomechanics, descriptions like the pressure exerted on a joint or tissues are common. In diplomacy, business, and politics, exerting influence or authority refers to attempting to shape decisions or outcomes through nonphysical means.

Etymology and word history: exerted derives from Old French exercer, with roots in Latin exercere, meaning to exercise or undertake. The form entered English in the Middle Ages and has since retained its core sense of applying effort, force, or influence.

Usage notes: exert is transitive and typically requires a direct object (force, influence, pressure, effort). Exertion, the related noun, refers to the act of putting forth effort. Exertive is a rare adjective form describing something that exerts or imposes exertion, though more common usage favors exertion itself.

See also: exertion, exertive, exert, exerting.