executed

[ ek-si-kyoo-tid ]

adjective

1. carried out or acted on; performed:

   Doctors and nurses protested the central government's poorly executed offloading of healthcare responsibility to county governments.

2. put to death according to law:

   Historically, an executed criminal was first buried in a public plot and only a year later transferred to the family grave.

3. murdered or assassinated, especially swiftly and dispassionately or with political motivation:

   Videos even show the guerillas rejoicing over their executed victims.

4. produced from a design or concept, as a piece of art or other skilled work:

   From the smoky wood flavors of seasonal appetizers to the finely executed desserts, the bistro keeps customers coming back for more.

5. Law.
   1. (of a law, judicial sentence, etc.) put into force or effect:

      The Board is established for the purpose of hearing and deciding on appeals of a lawfully executed order.

   2. (of a legal instrument) completed or transacted by fulfilling legal requirements, as by signing or sealing:

      To access this funding, municipalities must submit signed construction contracts and an executed loan agreement by June 17.

6. Computers. (of a program, routine, or instruction) carried out:

   Press F11, and the most recently executed launch configuration will be launched.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of execute ( def ).

Other Words From

• un·ex·e·cut·ed adjective
• well-ex·e·cut·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of executed¹

execute ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

“No one deserves the fate of being executed and then set on fire in the middle of the desert in a desperate attempt by a killer to cover up his crimes.”

From Los Angeles Times

These adjustments can cost thousands of pounds up front, but, if properly executed, they could improve comfort and reduce people’s bills in the long-run.

From BBC

The de facto authorities in Gaza have said that several bodies were found undressed and handcuffed, indicating that the victims might have been executed.

From Salon

“And then we executed offensively. Got the shots that we wanted. And that helped build a lead.”

From Los Angeles Times

He’s called for vengeance against political opponents, including President Biden, and suggested that retired Gen. Mark A. Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, deserved to be executed.

From Los Angeles Times