n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -cised ; -cis · 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 \ - ˌ s ī -z ə -b ə l \ adjective