execute

[ek-si-kyoot]

verb (used with object)

executed, executing 

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)

executed, executing 

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)

Other Word Forms

• executer noun
• executable adjective
• nonexecutable adjective
• outexecute verb (used with object)
• preexecute verb (used with object)
• reexecute verb (used with object)
• unexecutable adjective
• unexecuting 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

The Department of Homeland Security told the BBC's US partner CBS News that agents executed a search warrant due to allegations of "unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes".

From BBC

And secondly, he said, the person had been executed.

From BBC

That allowed them to focus efforts on preventing United from executing their passing routines effectively.

From BBC

"It has been in our planning to give everyone game time over the first two pool matches and, bar Holly, we've been able to execute that with this selection," Mitchell said.

From BBC

“For us offensively, it’s going to come down to pace and being willing to execute,” Roberts said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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