1. physical or mental effort, especially when difficult or tiring
2. the use or application of a power, right, or process
Usage: formal

Examples

• The marathon required tremendous physical exertion.
• After hours of mental exertion, she finally solved the puzzle.
• The heavy lifting caused him to sweat from the exertion.
• She was breathing heavily from the exertion of climbing the stairs.
• The exertion of political pressure led to policy changes.
• His face was red from the exertion of moving the furniture.
• The doctor advised against excessive exertion after surgery.