exert
/ɪɡˈzɜːt/verb
To put effort, energy, or influence into forceful action.
Example sentences
- “You'll need to exert more effort if you want to pass the course.”
- “The union exerted pressure on management to raise wages.”
Almost always with effort nouns or the reflexive: exert pressure, exert influence, exert yourself. You do not simply exert.