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execution

[ ek-si-kyoo-shuh n ]
/ ˌɛk sɪˈkyu ʃən /
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noun

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RELATED WORDS

hit, hanging, crucifixion, shooting, punishment, strangulation, electrocution, gassing, impalement, decapitation, completion, enforcement, prosecution, accomplishment, implementation, consummation, enactment, realization, administration, effect

Nearby words

  1. execratory,
  2. executable,
  3. executant,
  4. executary,
  5. execute,
  6. executioner,
  7. executive,
  8. executive agreement,
  9. executive branch,
  10. executive class

Origin of execution

1250–1300; Middle English execucioun < Latin execūtiōn- (stem of execūtiō). See executive, -ion
Related formsex·e·cu·tion·al, adjectivenon·ex·e·cu·tion, nounpre·ex·e·cu·tion, nounre·ex·e·cu·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for execution

British Dictionary definitions for execution

execution

/ (ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃən) /

noun

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
  1. the enforcement of the judgment of a court of law
  2. the writ ordering such enforcement
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 execution

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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper