Exert

v. t.
  1. To thrust forth; to emit; to push out.
  2. 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.
  3. To put forth, as the result or exercise of effort; to bring to bear; to do or perform.
    4. To exert one's self ,
    to use efforts or endeavors; to strive; to make an attempt.