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

There are rumors and reports that senior military leaders are having informal discussions about what to do if President Trump issues illegal or unconstitutional orders regarding the suppression of dissent, the occupation of American cities, the execution of his plans for mass deportation or other efforts to crush “the enemy within.”

From Salon

"The execution will have to be done at close quarters, brushing shoulders in the lobbies as we go to vote for the removal of much-respected colleagues."

From BBC

But in this case, Biden can follow in the footsteps of several governors who waited until late in their terms to issue mass commutations to people awaiting execution in their states.

From Slate

It would also prevent another federal execution spree such as that carried out in the Trump administration.

From Slate

Preventing another gruesome Trump execution spree is one final thing the president has the power to do.

From Slate