executed

American  

[ek-si-kyoo-tid] / ˈɛk sɪˌkyu tɪd /

adjective

1. carried out or acted on; performed.

   Doctors and nurses protested the central government's poorly executed offloading of healthcare responsibility to county governments.

2. put to death according to law.

   Historically, an executed criminal was first buried in a public plot and only a year later transferred to the family grave.

3. murdered or assassinated, especially swiftly and dispassionately or with political motivation.

   Videos even show the guerillas rejoicing over their executed victims.

4. produced from a design or concept, as a piece of art or other skilled work.

   From the smoky wood flavors of seasonal appetizers to the finely executed desserts, the bistro keeps customers coming back for more.

5. Law.

   1. (of a law, judicial sentence, etc.) put into force or effect.

      The Board is established for the purpose of hearing and deciding on appeals of a lawfully executed order.

   2. (of a legal instrument) completed or transacted by fulfilling legal requirements, as by signing or sealing.

      To access this funding, municipalities must submit signed construction contracts and an executed loan agreement by June 17.

6. Computers. (of a program, routine, or instruction) carried out.

   Press F11, and the most recently executed launch configuration will be launched.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of execute.

Other Word Forms

• unexecuted
  adjective
• well-executed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of executed

execute ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Joseph Smith, the defendant will not be executed.

From Slate • May 23, 2026

So you’ve executed the first two steps really well, and now you want to know about the spending part.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

Only two Confederates were tried, convicted and executed for war crimes after the 1865 surrender at Appomattox.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

President Trump said in a social-media post that “brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

But instead, Sammy smiled, threw up his arms and executed a stiff little jig, joining in their laughter.

From "Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt