execute

[ek-si-kyoot] /ˈɛk sɪˌkyut/
verb (used with object), executed, executing.
1.
to carry out; accomplish:
to execute a plan or order.
2.
to perform or do:
to execute a maneuver; to execute a gymnastic feat.
3.
to inflict capital punishment on; put to death according to law.
4.
to murder; assassinate.
5.
to produce in accordance with a plan or design:
a painting executed by an unknown artist.
6.
to perform or play (a piece of music).
7.
Law.
  1. to give effect or force to (a law, decree, judicial sentence, etc.).
  2. to carry out the terms of (a will).
  3. to transact or carry through (a contract, mortgage, etc.) in the manner prescribed by law; complete and give validity to (a legal instrument) by fulfilling the legal requirements, as by signing or sealing.
8.
Computers. to run (a program or routine) or to carry out (an instruction in a program).
verb (used without object), executed, executing.
9.
to perform or accomplish something, as an assigned task.
10.
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.
Origin
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
Related forms
executable, adjective
executer, noun
nonexecutable, adjective
outexecute, verb (used with object), outexecuted, outexecuting.
preexecute, verb (used with object), preexecuted, preexecuting.
reexecute, verb (used with object), reexecuted, reexecuting.
unexecutable, adjective
unexecuted, adjective
unexecuting, adjective
well-executed, adjective
Synonyms
1. achieve, complete, finish, consummate. 7a. enforce, administer.
Synonym Study
2. See perform. 3. See kill1.
Examples from the web for execute
  • You have to be able to work as a team, think tactically, and execute plans efficiently.
  • Don't bother to reform, just execute.
  • Let everyone know the gameplan and execute it.
  • Keeping the game short means you have to execute your plan quickly and efficiently.
  • The teenagers plan and execute a successful escape that yields an adventurous voyage to Jamaica.
  • They knew how to market and execute their service well.
  • It is a simple formula that is terrifically difficult to execute.
  • This ability to execute a variety of work makes it a one-stop shop for artists.
  • To execute this guard a fighter must be very athletic and experienced.
British Dictionary definitions for execute

execute

/ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/
verb (transitive)
1.
to put (a condemned person) to death; inflict capital punishment upon
2.
to carry out; complete; perform; do: to execute an order
3.
to perform; accomplish; effect: to execute a pirouette
4.
to make or produce: to execute a drawing
5.
to carry into effect (a judicial sentence, the law, etc); enforce
6.
(law) to comply with legal formalities in order to render (a deed, etc) effective, as by signing, sealing, and delivering
7.
to sign (a will) in the presence of witnesses and in accordance with other legal formalities
8.
to carry out the terms of (a contract, will, etc)
Derived Forms
executer, noun
Word Origin
C14: from Old French executer, back formation from executeurexecutor
Word Origin and History for 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.

execute in Technology


execution