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”; see 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

“We’ve been able to execute, even just going back to the last three games of the regular season,” Redick said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

"I think, when it's not intentional, it was an accident. It's hard to execute the rule like it was intentional," said Sunderland manager Regis le Bris.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

So my preparation, as far as thinking of something and then going to execute it, being able to execute it, is another difference.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Some companies say they want room to grow as they execute on aggressive hiring plans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

“You didn’t execute the game plan, Finley. I had to bench you. Would’ve done the same thing to any other player.”

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick

Related Words

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