exert

[1]	exercise , exercise , use , utilize , put to use/work/effect , employ , wield , bring to bear , bring into play , expend
[2]	exert oneself , wield , maintain , attempt , try , endeavour , make an effort , apply oneself , strive , do one's best , work , strain , struggle , toil , push , drive (oneself) , go all out , give one's all , (Colloq) knock oneself out , cudgel one's brains , beat one's brains out , do one's damnedest , (Slang) bust a gut