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

“Recognizing the hot hand, which is a real thing, but recognizing the hot hand and then executing just shows a level of selflessness,” Redick said.

From Los Angeles Times

Tortured and accused of bizarre espionage plots, he was ultimately executed by firing squad.

From Salon

Apparently supported by a paramilitary self-defence group, the men attacked the vehicle, removed two of the patients, took them outside hospital grounds and executed them.

From BBC

According to the statement, the plotters had not just planned to assassinate the president-elect and the vice-president-elect but also wanted to arrest and execute a member of the Supreme Court once their coup was successful.

From BBC

President-elect Donald Trump said his plan to execute mass deportations of immigrants in the U.S. illegally will involve a national emergency declaration and the military.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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