execute

[ ek-si-kyoot ]
/ ˈɛk sɪˌkyut /

verb (used with object), ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing.

verb (used without object), ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing.

to perform or accomplish something, as an assigned task.
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.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
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Origin of execute

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”; see ex-1, sequence

SYNONYMS FOR execute

1 achieve, complete, finish, consummate.
7a enforce, administer.

synonym study for execute

2. See perform. 3. See kill1.

OTHER WORDS FROM execute

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH execute

kill1 execute murder (see synonym study at kill1)

Words nearby execute

execrative, execratory, executable, executant, executary, execute, execution, executioner, executive, executive agreement, executive branch
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for executable

  • O, what truths profound and executable only in ages and orbs, are supposed in the announcement of every truth!

    Essays, First Series|Ralph Waldo Emerson

British Dictionary definitions for executable (1 of 2)

executable
/ (ˈɛksɪˌkjuːtəbəl) /

adjective

(of a computer program) able to be run

noun

a file containing a program that will run as soon as it is opened

British Dictionary definitions for executable (2 of 2)

execute
/ (ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt) /

verb (tr)

Derived forms of execute

executer, noun

Word Origin for execute

C14: from Old French executer, back formation from executeur executor
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012