I. noun
1.
the act of bringing into play or realizing in action
one can usually avoid accidents by the exercise of foresight
Synonyms: application, employment, exercising, exertion, operation, use; compare use 1
Contrasted words: dereliction, disregard, neglect; carelessness, heedlessness, inattention, laxity
2.
regular or repeated appropriate use of a faculty, power, or bodily organ
muscular atrophy from lack of exercise
Synonyms: activity, exercising, exertion
Related Word: action, movement; practice, use, workout
Contrasted words: inactiveness, inactivity; idleness, unemployment
3.
something practiced or performed in order to develop, improve, or display a specific power or skill
spelling exercises
Synonyms: drill, drilling, practice
4.
a performance having a strongly marked secondary or ulterior aspect
his writing is an exercise in confusion
Synonyms: lesson, study
II. verb
1.
Synonyms: use 2, apply, bestow, employ, exploit, handle, utilize
Idioms: put into practice
2.
Synonyms: exert , ply, put out, throw, wield
3.
to use repeatedly in order to master or strengthen
beginning swimmers exercising their new skill
games that exercise the muscles
Synonyms: drill, practice, rehearse
Related Word: break in, condition, groom, prepare, train; cultivate, develop, foster, improve; fix, set
4.
Synonyms: annoy 1, abrade, bother, ||bug, chafe, fret, gall, irk, provoke, vex