execute

[ ek-si-kyoot ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing.

1. to carry out; accomplish:

   to execute a plan or order.

   Synonyms: finish, consummate, complete, achieve

2. to perform or do:

   to execute a maneuver;

   to execute a gymnastic feat.

3. to inflict capital punishment on; put to death according to law.
4. to murder; assassinate.
5. to produce in accordance with a plan or design:

   a painting executed by an unknown artist.

6. to perform or play (a piece of music).
7. Law.
   1. to give effect or force to (a law, decree, judicial sentence, etc.).
   2. to carry out the terms of (a will).
   3. to transact or carry through (a contract, mortgage, etc.) in the manner prescribed by law; complete and give validity to (a legal instrument) by fulfilling the legal requirements, as by signing or sealing.
8. Computers. to run (a program or routine) or carry out (an instruction in a program).

verb (used without object)

, ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing.

1. to perform or accomplish something, as an assigned task.
2. Sports. to perform properly the fundamental moves or mechanics of a sport, game, position, or particular play; show smoothness in necessary skills:

   We just didn't execute defensively.

execute

/ ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt /

verb

1. to put (a condemned person) to death; inflict capital punishment upon
2. to carry out; complete; perform; do

   to execute an order

3. to perform; accomplish; effect

   to execute a pirouette

4. to make or produce

   to execute a drawing

5. to carry into effect (a judicial sentence, the law, etc); enforce
6. law to comply with legal formalities in order to render (a deed, etc) effective, as by signing, sealing, and delivering
7. to sign (a will) in the presence of witnesses and in accordance with other legal formalities
8. to carry out the terms of (a contract, will, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˈexeˌcuter, noun

Other Words From

• ex·e·cut·a·ble adjective
• ex·e·cut·er noun
• non·ex·e·cut·a·ble adjective
• out·ex·e·cute verb (used with object) outexecuted outexecuting
• pre·ex·e·cute verb (used with object) preexecuted preexecuting
• re·ex·e·cute verb (used with object) reexecuted reexecuting
• un·ex·e·cut·a·ble adjective
• un·ex·e·cut·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of execute¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English executen, from Old French executer, from Medieval Latin execūtāre, derivative of Latin execūtus, past participle of ex(s)equī “to follow up, carry out (punishment), execute”; ex- ¹, sequence

Word History and Origins

Origin of execute¹

C14: from Old French executer, back formation from executeur executor

Synonym Study

See perform. See kill ¹.

Example Sentences

"This wasn't some pre-season game. From a coaching standpoint, it was the confidence in the player to execute the skill on the big stage."

From BBC

“I think the biggest thing about it is preparation, not looking too far ahead, one day at a time and trying to execute, have a good week of practice so we can go out in the game and attack.”

From Los Angeles Times

While luck and connections certainly factor into becoming a celebrity, a big part of their success depends on the seemingly simple — yet often hard to execute — act of monetizing their skills.

From Salon

But Lakers coach JJ Redick is learning that having players who can actually execute your plan is even better.

From Los Angeles Times

We suspect that some of this sharp rightward shift on immigration will revert if Trump actually does execute “mass deportations” in a ruthless way.

From Slate

Related Words

• accomplish
• complete
• deal with
• do
• enact
• enforce
• implement
• meet
• perform
• prosecute
• pull off
• take care of