execution

[ ek-si-kyoo-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of executing.
2. the state or fact of being executed.
3. the infliction of capital punishment or, formerly, of any legal punishment.
4. the process of performing a judgment or sentence of a court:

   The judge stayed execution of the sentence pending appeal.

5. a mode or style of performance; technical skill, as in music:

   The pianist's execution of the sonata was consummate.

6. effective, usually destructive action, or the result attained by it (usually preceded by do ):

   The grenades did rapid execution.

7. Law. a judicial writ directing the enforcement of a judgment.
8. Computers. the act of running, or the results of having run, a program or routine, or the performance of an instruction.

execution

/ ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of executing
2. the carrying out or undergoing of a sentence of death
3. the style or manner in which something is accomplished or performed; technique

   as a pianist his execution is poor

4. 1. the enforcement of the judgment of a court of law
   2. the writ ordering such enforcement

Other Words From

• exe·cution·al adjective
• nonex·e·cution noun
• preex·e·cution noun
• reex·e·cution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of execution¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English execucioun, from Latin ex(s)ecūtiōn-, stem of ex(s)ecūtiō “accomplishment, performance”; equivalent to execute + -ion

Example Sentences

That has an impact on both media planning and creative execution.

From Digiday

“I’m looking forward to accelerating execution of the strategic vision for the future of Walgreens,” Standley said in a statement.

From Fortune

Broad cultural contexts are rarer and rarer, and to harness these contexts takes a lot of thoughtfulness and a high degree of successful execution.

From Digiday

Eventually, the system may be tapped to help judge execution scores, too.

From Science News For Students

While these campaigns will have the tone of The Times, the execution is different, all publishers now, for instance, have to use programs like Zoom while remote working.

From Digiday

Recall how Clinton returned to Arkansas from the campaign trail to preside over the execution of a mentally disabled man.

From The Daily Beast

The execution of two police officers in cold blood has shocked the city and driven a deeper wedge between the cops and the mayor.

From The Daily Beast

Their intentions may be good, but their execution and insight are lousy.

From The Daily Beast

Heavily armed Simbas had already arrived at the missionary house and were lining up families in the backyard for execution.

From The Daily Beast

If they were well thought through, with a clear plan of execution, she was in, and ready to go to the mat.

From The Daily Beast

This alone could hinder the execution of his appointment, for in other things he has excellent qualifications for the dignity.

From Project Gutenberg

But it greatly equalizes and strengthens the fingers, and makes your execution smooth and elegant.

From Project Gutenberg

Ripperda's attention was next directed to put his plan of escape, in train for execution.

From Project Gutenberg

Important orders for new books are now in course of execution, the volumes being due early in this year's session.

From Project Gutenberg

Many persons impede their execution by not keeping the thumb independent enough of the rest of the hand.

From Project Gutenberg