The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - exert v.

1) exercise, use, utilize, put to use or work or effect, employ, wield, bring to bear, bring into play, expend: Please exert your influence to have his conviction quashed. 2) exert oneself. attempt, try, endeavour, make an effort, apply oneself, strive, do one's best, work, strain, struggle, toil, push, drive (oneself) , go all out, give one's all, Colloq knock oneself out, cudgel one's brains, beat one's brains out, do one's damnedest, Slang bust a gut: If Peter exerted himself a bit more, we might see some results.