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View synonyms for execute

execute

[ek-si-kyoot]

verb (used with object)

executed, executing 
  1. to carry out; accomplish.

    to execute a plan or order.

  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)

“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
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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
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of execute1

C14: from Old French executer, back formation from executeur executor
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Synonym Study

See perform. See kill 1.
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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.

“We’ve proven we can execute and deliver for our customers in this space.”

Read more on MarketWatch

In a related move, the new exchange is acquiring MIAXdx, a business that clears and executes derivatives trades.

We also received an exhaustive tutorial in the history of taste and of restorations executed to respond to that taste, with helpful diagrams for each exhibited work indicating what was old and what was added.

“And Oracle has been impressively executing to plan and making tremendous gains against these incumbents.”

Read more on Barron's

“Additionally, Kraken has delivered within its guidance ranges across each of the past three years, giving us comfort with the prospects of Kraken executing,” he says.

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