Main Entry:

²exercise

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

exercised; exercis·ing

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1 a: to make effective in action : use <didn't exercise good judgment> b: to bring to bear : exert <exercise influence> c: to implement the terms of (as an option)2 a: to use repeatedly in order to strengthen or develop <exercise a muscle> b: to train (as troops) by drills and maneuvers c: to put through exercises <exercise the horses>3 a: to engage the attention and effort of b: to cause anxiety, alarm, or indignation in <the issues exercising voters this year>intransitive verb: to take exercise

— ex·er·cis·able \-ˌsī-zə-bəl\ adjective