N the quotation, "Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides" by Rita Mae Brown, what does the word "exerts" mean? Puts forth Takes away Hides Shines

'Exert' means to apply force on influence over something else, this can be in a negative or positive way. In this quotation, it means that language, if used correctly, has the ability to express a 'hidden power'. It's also worth mentioning that the simile is relevant as the moon has an influence on the level of tides on Earth.