Verb
To thrust forth; to emit; to push out.
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.
To put forth, as the result or exercise of effort; to bring to bear; to do or perform.
Source: Webster's dictionaryAn engaged woman is always more agreeable than a disengaged. She is satisfied with herself. Her cares are over, and she feels that she may exert all her powers of pleasing without suspicion. All is safe with a lady engaged; no harm can be done. Jane Austen
People who can't be witty exert themselves to be devout and affectionate. George Eliot
You can never really live anyone else's life, not even your child's. The influence you exert is through your own life, and what you've become yourself. Eleanor Roosevelt
As long as imperialism exists it will, by definition, exert its domination over other countries. Today that domination is called neocolonialism. Che Guevara
Exert effort, you shall be rewarded. Moroccan Proverb
Hope in the Lord, but exert yourself. Russian Proverb