execution
- the act or process of executing.
- the state or fact of being executed.
- the infliction of capital punishment or, formerly, of any legal punishment.
- the process of performing a judgment or sentence of a court: The judge stayed execution of the sentence pending appeal.
- a mode or style of performance; technical skill, as in music: The pianist's execution of the sonata was consummate.
- effective, usually destructive action, or the result attained by it (usually preceded by do): The grenades did rapid execution.
- Law. a judicial writ directing the enforcement of a judgment.
- Computers. the act of running, or the results of having run, a program or routine, or the performance of an instruction.
Origin of execution
Related Words
hit, hanging, crucifixion, shooting, punishment, strangulation, electrocution, gassing, impalement, decapitation, completion, enforcement, prosecution, accomplishment, implementation, consummation, enactment, realization, administration, effectExamples from the Web for execution
Contemporary Examples
Recall how Clinton returned to Arkansas from the campaign trail to preside over the execution of a mentally disabled man.
The execution of two police officers in cold blood has shocked the city and driven a deeper wedge between the cops and the mayor.
Their intentions may be good, but their execution and insight are lousy.
Heavily armed Simbas had already arrived at the missionary house and were lining up families in the backyard for execution.
If they were well thought through, with a clear plan of execution, she was in, and ready to go to the mat.
The Valerie Jarrett I Know: How She Saved the Obama Campaign and Why She’s IndispensableJoshua DuBois
November 18, 2014
Historical Examples
The execution is left entirely to your judgment and address.
A Sketch of the Life of Brig. Gen. Francis MarionWilliam Dobein James
The scheme was very simple, though I do not think it was at all difficult of execution.
Ned MyersJames Fenimore Cooper
There was no opportunity for us to put our plans in execution, in going down channel.
Ned MyersJames Fenimore Cooper
Tried for piracy, probably, and the execution of some, if not all of us.
Ned MyersJames Fenimore Cooper
Scarce had that thought crossed him than he hastened to put it into execution.
Night and Morning, CompleteEdward Bulwer-Lytton
execution
- the act or process of executing
- the carrying out or undergoing of a sentence of death
- the style or manner in which something is accomplished or performed; techniqueas a pianist his execution is poor
- the enforcement of the judgment of a court of law
- the writ ordering such enforcement
Word Origin and History for execution
n.
mid-14c., from Anglo-French execucioun (late 13c.), Old French execucion "a carrying out" (of an order, etc.), from Latin executionem (nominative executio) "an accomplishing," noun of action from past participle stem of exequi/exsequi "to follow out," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + sequi "follow" (see sequel).
Sense of "act of putting to death" (mid-14c.) is from Middle English legal phrases such as don execution of deth "carry out a sentence of death." Literal meaning "action of carrying something into effect" is from late 14c. John McKay, coach of the woeful Tampa Bay Buccaneers (U.S. football team), when asked by a reporter what he thought of his team's execution, replied, "I think it would be a good idea." Executor and executioner were formerly used indifferently, because both are carrying out legal orders.