executioner

American  

[ek-si-kyoo-shuh-ner] / ˌɛk sɪˈkyu ʃə nər /

noun

1. an official who inflicts capital punishment in pursuance of a legal warrant.

2. a person who executes an act, will, judgment, etc.

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executioner British  

/ ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃənə /

noun

1. an official charged with carrying out the death sentence passed upon a condemned person

2. an assassin, esp one appointed by a political or criminal organization

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Etymology

Origin of executioner

First recorded in 1555–65; execution + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Sir Thomas More on the scaffold of Tower Hill comforted his executioner and was reported by a witness to have repositioned his beard on the block, joking it had committed no treason.

From The Wall Street Journal

He says that the articles were untrue and that The Guardian "played the role of judge, jury and executioner" of his career and reputation.

From BBC

In "Not Like Us," Lamar transforms into an omnipresent aura — almost a God-like figure that ultimately becomes judge, jury and executioner.

From Salon

If, as expected, they reject her appeal, Truong My Lan will in effect be in a race with the executioner to raise the funds she needs.

From BBC

How do you grapple with the knowledge that your neighbors are former executioners?

From New York Times

Related Words

• firing squad