# exercised

/ˈɛksɝˌsaɪzd/ (US) · /ˈɛksəsˌaɪzd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exercised
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. having done physical activity

adjective · CEFR B1

having spent time moving your body or working out to stay healthy.

For teachers: having engaged in physical exertion or bodily activity for the purpose of health or training.

- The dog was well exercised and slept soundly for the rest of the afternoon.
- A properly exercised horse is generally more manageable and less prone to developing nervous habits in the stable.

### 2. worried or upset

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

feeling very worried, annoyed, or excited about a particular subject.

For teachers: agitated, preoccupied, or deeply concerned about a specific issue. Often used with 'about' or 'over'.

- The local residents are very exercised about the plans to build a new motorway.
- The board of directors became increasingly exercised over the recent drop in share prices, demanding an immediate explanation from the CEO.

Usage: Usually follows a linking verb and takes the preposition 'about' or 'over'.

### 3. used or applied

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

used or put into action, like a right or a power.

For teachers: having been put into practice, used, or acted upon; typically refers to rights, powers, or influence.

- The newly exercised powers of the committee allowed them to stop the project.
- The treaty remains in effect, though its more controversial clauses have rarely been exercised by the signatory nations.

## Examples

- He got very exercised about the new parking rules.
- The local residents became quite exercised when they heard about the plans to build a highway through the park.
- Although the proposal seemed minor to the board, the staff became increasingly exercised over the potential changes to their remote work policy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.