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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.

"And obviously it being a World Cup, there's that added pressure as well. So we've obviously got our processes that we want to go through. And hopefully we can execute those tomorrow."

From Barron's

If the company is able to get customer deals and financing in place, and execute its infrastructure buildout as planned, it is set for big gains.

From Barron's

“Free cash flow per share grows even as revenue plateaus or declines slightly. The companies that execute this transition well are going to emerge as leaner, more profitable versions of themselves,” he says.

From MarketWatch

“However, we remain highly cautious about the brand’s elasticity, operational bandwidth, and the inevitable share dilution required to execute this complex transition,” the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chief Financial Officer Karen Parkhill said the company remains focused on executing its mitigation plans.

From The Wall Street Journal