exercise
1ex·er·cise
noun \ˈek-sər-ˌsīz\Definition of EXERCISE
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 exercises> <vocal exercises>
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 exercises> b plural : a program including speeches, announcements of awards and honors, and various traditional practices of secular or religious character <commencement exercises>
Examples of EXERCISE
- Get plenty of fresh air and exercise.
- Swimming is my favorite kind of exercise.
- She did stretching exercises before her daily run.
- Do the writing exercise at the end of each chapter.
- The negotiations have gotten nowhere, and I see no reason to continue with this pointless exercise.
Origin of EXERCISE
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
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to EXERCISE
Related Words: training, warm-up, workout; toning, trimming; aerobics, athletics, bodybuilding, body mechanics, calisthenics, gymnastics, isometrics, plyometrics, slimnastics, weight lifting; physical therapy
Rhymes with EXERCISE
advertise, agonize, alchemize, analyze, anglicize, anodize, anywise, aphorize, arborize, atomize, authorize, autolyze, balkanize, barbarize, bastardize, bestialize, bolshevize, booby prize, botanize, bowdlerize, brutalize, canalize, canonize, capsulize, caramelize, carbonize, cartelize, catalyze, catechize, cauterize, centralize, channelize, Christianize, cicatrize, circumcise, civilize, classicize, colonize, colorize, communize, compromise, concertize, concretize, creolize, criticize, customize, demonize, deputize, dialyze, digitize, disfranchise, dogmatize, dramatize, elegize, empathize, emphasize, energize, enfranchise, enterprise, equalize, erotize, eternize, etherize, eulogize, euphemize, exorcise, factorize, fantasize, federalize, feminize, fertilize, feudalize, fictionize, finalize, focalize, formalize, formulize, fossilize, fragmentize, fraternize, gallicize, galvanize, germanize, ghettoize, glamorize, globalize, gormandize, gothicize, gourmandize, grecianize, harmonize, heathenize, hebraize, hellenize, heroize, hierarchize, humanize, hybridize, hypnotize, idolize, immunize, iodize, ionize, ironize, Islamize, itemize, jeopardize, journalize, Judaize, laicize, latinize, legalize, lionize, liquidize, localize, magnetize, marbleize, martyrize, maximize, mechanize, melanize, melodize, memorize, merchandise, mesmerize, methodize, metricize, minimize, mobilize, modernize, moisturize, mongrelize, moralize, motorize, mythicize, narcotize, nasalize, nebulize, neutralize, normalize, notarize, novelize, obelize, odorize, optimize, organize, ostracize, otherwise, oversize, oxidize, paganize, palletize, paradise, paralyze, pasteurize, patronize, pauperize, penalize, penny-wise, personalize, pidginize, plasticize, Platonize, pluralize, pocket-size, poetize, polarize, polemize, pressurize, privatize, profitwise, prussianize, publicize, pulverize, racialize, randomize, rationalize, realize, recognize, rhapsodize, robotize, romanize, sanitize, satirize, scandalize, schematize, schismatize, scrutinize, sensitize, sermonize, signalize, simonize, sinicize, slenderize, sloganize, socialize, sodomize, solarize, solemnize, specialize, stabilize, Stalinize, standardize, sterilize, stigmatize, strategize, subsidize, summarize, supervise, syllogize, symbolize, sympathize, synchronize, syncretize, synopsize, synthesize, systemize, tantalize, televise, temporize, tenderize, terrorize, tetanize, teutonize, texturize, theorize, thermalize, totalize, tranquilize, traumatize, tyrannize, unionize, unitize, urbanize, utilize, valorize, vandalize, vaporize, verbalize, vernalize, victimize, vitalize, vocalize, vulcanize, vulgarize, weather-wise, weatherize, westernize, winterize, womanize, worldly-wise
Learn More About EXERCISE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: exercise bicycle
Previous Word in the Dictionary: exercent
All Words Near: exercise
Previous Word in the Dictionary: exercent
All Words Near: exercise
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up exercise? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

See







