A new word: exert

exert, verb, /ɪɡ’zɝt/

1 

to use your power, influence etc in order to make something happen. 
to use (strength, ability, etc.). 
to cause (force, effort, etc.) 
to have an effect or to be felt.

They exerted considerable influence within the school.
Environmental groups are exerting pressure on the government to tighten pollution laws.
He had to exert all of his strength to move the stone.
She hasn’t been reluctant to exert [=exercise] her authority.
The company exerted [=put] pressure on local politicians.
He exerts a lot of influence on the other members of the committee. the force exerted by the machine.

2 exert yourself

to work very hard and use a lot of physical or mental energy. 
to make an effort to do something. 

He has exerted himself tirelessly on behalf of the charity.
Don’t exert yourself too much.
She’s always willing to exert herself to help other people.

exertion, noun, /ɪɡ’zɝʃən/

1 

a lot of physical or mental effort.

The afternoon’s exertions had left us feeling exhausted.
mental exertion.
He clearly found the physical exertion exhilarating.
He was panting from the exertion of climbing the stairs.
an easy sport that requires little physical exertion.
Their exertions [=efforts] were rewarded when they won the championship.

2 

the use of power, influence etc to make something happen.
the exertion of authority.

Thanks to the exertions of a few sensible and courageous men, the compromise was accepted.