definitions

execute

[ ek-si-kyoot ]
/ ˈɛk sɪˌkyut /
||

verb (used with object), ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing.

verb (used without object), ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing.

to perform or accomplish something, as an assigned task.
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.

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Nearby words

execrative, execratory, executable, executant, executary, execute, execution, executioner, executive, executive agreement, executive branch

Origin of execute

1350–1400; Middle English executen < Old French executer < Medieval Latin execūtāre, derivative of Latin execūtus, past participle of ex(s)equī to follow up, carry out (punishment), execute; see ex-1, sequence
SYNONYMS FOR execute
1 achieve, complete, finish, consummate.
7a enforce, administer.
Related forms

Synonym study

2. See perform. 3. See kill1.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for executer

  • It was, however, well understood at Athens that the planner and executer of the deed was Demosthenes.

    Vacation days in Greece|Rufus B. Richardson

  • She was the instigator and the executer of the crime against Naboth.

    The Expositor's Bible|F. W. Farrar

British Dictionary definitions for executer

execute

/ (ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt) /

verb (tr)

Derived Formsexecuter, noun

Word Origin for execute

C14: from Old French executer, back formation from executeur executor
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

Word Origin and History for executer

execute

v.

late 14c., "to carry into effect," from Old French executer (14c.), from Medieval Latin executare, from Latin execut-/exsecut-, past participle stem of exequi/exsequi "to follow out" (see execution). Meaning "to inflict capital punishment" is from late 15c. Related: Executed; executing.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper