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).

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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)

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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

Explanation

To execute means to carry out in full or perform. If you execute all the difficult steps of the dance perfectly, you will make your instructor proud. Here’s what’s tricky about execute: the first thing you think of is being punished with death for criminal actions. Actually, it's more commonly used in the sense of “to carry out in full.” So don't be alarmed with visions of the hooded guy at the guillotine when someone congratulates you on a plan well executed. Think of the word executive to get a closer grasp of both the meaning and the context.

Example Sentences

“The entire Department serves at the direction of the President and will execute his military objectives without fail,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said, “The entire Department serves at the direction of the President and will execute his military objectives without fail.”

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

"We just feel like we're lifted up by the team that supports us, and you just sort of execute the plan," Wiseman said as the crew soared away from their home planet.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

"Execution is another thing and I certainly didn't execute as well as I could have."

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

During the meeting, James Shoun was named the administrator of the estate of Bill Smith’s murdered wife, Rita, which allowed him to execute her will.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

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