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Synonyms

execute

American  
[ek-si-kyoot] / ˈɛk sɪˌkyut /

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 British  
/ 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)

"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

Related Words

See perform. See kill 1.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

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”; ex- 1, sequence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Conversations about how the U.S. could start executing a plan to leverage Venezuela’s oil are ongoing, people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The Parties request that this matter be stayed so that the Parties may draft, finalize, and execute formal settlement documents,” according to a notice filed on Wednesday in a federal court in Florida.

From Los Angeles Times

“We have engaged the world’s leading commodity marketers and key banks to execute and provide financial support for these crude oil and crude products sales,” the Department added.

From Barron's

Berenberg says it is increasingly confident that Vodafone can execute well in its core markets such as Germany and the U.K., and points to the company’s efficient capital management.

From The Wall Street Journal

White House officials said on Wednesday that they had already taken steps to start marketing the oil and the administration was working with key banks and commodity firms to execute the sales.

From BBC