executioner

[ ek-si-kyoo-shuh-ner ]

noun

1. an official who inflicts capital punishment in pursuance of a legal warrant.
2. a person who executes an act, will, judgment, etc.

executioner

/ ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃənə /

noun

1. an official charged with carrying out the death sentence passed upon a condemned person
2. an assassin, esp one appointed by a political or criminal organization

Word History and Origins

Origin of executioner¹

First recorded in 1555–65; execution + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Hamas, meanwhile, accused the prosecutor of trying to "equate the victim with the executioner".

From BBC

In at least one case, executioners were finally able to access a prisoner’s vein and complete the execution only by cutting into his arm.

From New York Times

"Due to state secrecy, Amnesty’s data does not include the thousands of people believed to have been executed in China, which remains the world’s lead executioner," the organisation said.

From BBC

Hamas has also denounced the ICC prosecutor’s request to arrest its leaders, saying it “equates the victim with the executioner.”

From Seattle Times

“We deplore, denounce and are surprised by the decision of the International Criminal Court which places the accused, the victim, and the executioner in one cage,” said Zahir Essam, a 55-year-old living in Gaza City.

From New York Times

Related Words

• firing squad