execution

American  

[ek-si-kyoo-shuhn] / ˌɛk sɪˈkyu ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of executing.

2. the state or fact of being executed.

3. the infliction of capital punishment or, formerly, of any legal punishment.

4. the process of performing a judgment or sentence of a court.

   The judge stayed execution of the sentence pending appeal.

5. a mode or style of performance; technical skill, as in music.

   The pianist's execution of the sonata was consummate.

6. effective, usually destructive action, or the result attained by it (usually preceded bydo ).

   The grenades did rapid execution.

7. Law. a judicial writ directing the enforcement of a judgment.

8. Computers. the act of running, or the results of having run, a program or routine, or the performance of an instruction.

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execution British  

/ ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of executing

2. the carrying out or undergoing of a sentence of death

3. the style or manner in which something is accomplished or performed; technique

   as a pianist his execution is poor

4. 1. the enforcement of the judgment of a court of law

   2. the writ ordering such enforcement

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Other Word Forms

• executional adjective
• nonexecution noun
• preexecution noun
• reexecution noun

Etymology

Origin of execution

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English execucioun, from Latin ex(s)ecūtiōn-, stem of ex(s)ecūtiō “accomplishment, performance”; equivalent to execute + -ion

Example Sentences

The simplicity of his execution underlines that a nightmare future doesn’t need to much to come to fruition, just a couple of clipboards and mass apathy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

In the words of biographer David Reynolds, Brown’s execution helped “spark” the Civil War.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

“While the macro backdrop remains dynamic, our disciplined execution and focused investments continue to give us confidence in our trajectory,” Connolly said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Irregularities in execution or sudden changes in longstanding estate plans can be in your favor.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

I asked several courts to stay Herbert's execution because of his ineffective lawyer, racial bias during the trial, the inflammatory comments made by the prosecutor, and the lack of mitigation evidence presented.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson