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

At times, Liverpool executed the press well, with their front three blocking PSG's makeshift back three - before Frimpong jumped up to press whichever home player had rotated to the left side of defence.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The CIA "executed a deception campaign to confuse the Iranians, who were desperately hunting for our airmen," whom Washington located as of Saturday morning, Ratcliffe said, without providing details on the deception efforts.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

McDuff was recaptured in 1992 and executed in 1998.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Whether or not that leads to substantive peace talks, Pakistan has already executed a diplomatic coup in its favor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

He also read an account of Nazi general Ernst Kaltenbrunner, a leader of the SS who ended up being found guilty at the Nuremberg trials and executed.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady