1.verbTo exert for the sake of training or improvement; to practice in order to develop.
"to exercise troops or horses; to exercise one's brain with a puzzle"
2.verbTo perform physical activity for health or training.
"I exercise at the gym every day."
3.verbTo use (a right, an option, etc.); to put into practice.
"She is going to exercise her right to vote."
4.verb(now often in passive) To occupy the attention and effort of; to task; to tax, especially in a painful or vexatious manner; harass; to vex; to worry or make anxious.
"exercised with pain"
5.verbTo set in action; to cause to act, move, or make exertion; to give employment to.