Main Entry: ²exercise

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): exercised; exercis·ing

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 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