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

The police department even confirmed that “it is common practice” for officers to request medical help before executing high-risk warrants.

From Vox

Then, there is the digital infrastructure required to execute the agency’s key activities properly.

From Search Engine Land

That number is up partly because planning and executing a virtual event takes less time than a physical one.

From Digiday

We’ve heard about some pretty interesting, big ideas around how to execute that.

From Digiday

The company’s chips are among the best at breaking up the manipulation of data into small pieces and then executing that in parallel at high speed.

From Fortune

The tour ended up costing us $147,802 to produce and execute.

From The Daily Beast

Around noon, the order was given to execute the mission the next day.

From The Daily Beast

But it was the first time that I showed Lorne and Seth and everyone at the show that I could handle the pressure and execute.

From The Daily Beast

On June 3, the rebel leader announced he would execute Budik and another captive, a secret police colonel.

From The Daily Beast

They planned to take Indian diplomats hostage and then execute them as Modi was took office.

From The Daily Beast

In case that they would not abandon the religion which they preached, the officials of Masamune commenced to execute their orders.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, in many cases a general agency requires the employment of many persons to execute the business.

From Project Gutenberg

The engine will be set to work before it is sent off, and every possible care taken to execute it in the most perfect order.

From Project Gutenberg

Until the mortgagor fails to execute his part of the agreement, he retains possession of the property.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes the contract states what the offending or wrongful party must pay should he fail to execute it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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