What does the term "exile" mean in the context of the game?

The term "exile" in the context of Magic: The Gathering refers to moving a card to the exile zone from its current location. This action involves placing a card away from the game temporarily or sometimes permanently, depending on the card or effect involved. The exile zone is distinct from other zones like the battlefield, graveyard, or library, and cards in exile are not accessible in the same way as cards in those other zones.

Exiling a card can be part of various game mechanics, such as removing threats, delaying effects, or even for certain abilities that allow you to cast or play the card later from exile. Thus, understanding that exile relocates a card specifically to the exile zone captures the essence of what that term means in the game.

The other options describe different effects associated with card movement but do not accurately reflect the definition of "exile." Returning a card to its owner's hand, shuffling it into the library, and moving it to the graveyard are all distinct actions and terminology that pertain to different game mechanics.