I. ˈek-sər-ˌsīz noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from exercitare to train, exercise, frequentative of exercēre to train, occupy, from ex- + arcēre to enclose, hold off — more at ark
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : the act of bringing into play or realizing in action : use
the exercise of self-control
b. : the discharge of an official function or professional occupation
exercise of his judicial duties
c. : the act or an instance of carrying out the terms of an agreement (as an option) — often used attributively
an option's exercise price
2.
a. : regular or repeated use of a faculty or bodily organ
b. : bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness
trying to get more exercise
3. : something performed or practiced in order to develop, improve, or display a specific capability or skill
arithmetic exercise s
vocal exercise s
4. : a performance or activity having a strongly marked secondary or ulterior aspect
party politics has always been an exercise in compromise — H. S. Ashmore
5.
a. : a maneuver, operation, or drill carried out for training and discipline
naval exercise s
b. plural : a program including speeches, announcements of awards and honors, and various traditional practices of secular or religious character
commencement exercise s
II. verb
( -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 -ˌsī-zə-bəl adjective