To give, in various senses. To exercise, exert (a function, force, etc.); to deliver, deal (blows), to give (battle); to execute, inflict (a…

To introduce, apply. Obsolete. rare.

transitive. To put in operation, to bring into play; to employ or exercise (one's strength, or a quality or ability) to achieve a goal; (also) to…

transitive. To put forth, exert (power or strength). With on, upon, against. Obsolete.

transitive. To bring (an action, etc., now esp. some kind of force) to bear upon a person, in order to produce a moral, emotional, or spiritual…

transitive. To bring into play, to employ, exercise; to exert. Cf. to put forth 3 at phrasal verbs 1.

transitive. To put in action or motion. To employ, bring to bear, apply (power, skill); to make practical use of (a right or privilege).

transitive. To exert, apply; to bring to bear, put forth. Frequently (now only) in to put to one's hand (also hands): to lend a hand; to set to…

transitive. To apply, devote, or dedicate (effort, thought, resources, etc.) to an object or aim.

To exert (one's strength). Obsolete.

transitive. To set in motion; to give play to (anger); to display (wisdom); = exercise, v. 1b.

transitive. To make use of; to use, apply, deploy.

transitive. To dedicate or devote (one's body, mind, talents, etc.) to an occupation, activity, or object. Now rare and archaic.

transitive. To exert (one's power), thoughts, etc. Obsolete. rare.

transitive. To operate (a machine, apparatus, tool, etc.); to control the operation or functioning of. Also: to provide operating power for; to…

transitive (reflexive). To direct one's skill or energies to some task, goal, or purpose; to devote oneself.

figurative. to give stream to: to set in motion (one's power). Obsolete.

To employ or exercise (powers, effort). Obsolete.

transitive. = exert, v. 2. Obsolete.

To manifest in action, bring into active operation (force, a quality, etc.); to exercise, bring to bear. †to exert every nerve = to strain every…