execute
verb/ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/ · /ˈɛɡzɪˌkjuːt/
Etymology From Old French executer (French exécuter), from Latin exsecutus, past participle of exsequor (“to follow (up/through)”, particularly in the sense “to go through with a deed or punishment”), from ex- (“out”) + sequor (“to follow”).
1
To kill, especially as punishment for a capital crime.
- There are certain states where it is lawful to execute prisoners convicted of certain crimes.
- According to international treaties, it is illegal to execute prisoners of war.
1 more example
- Was not thy Father, Richard, Earle of Cambridge, / For Treaſon executed in our late Kings dayes?1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Sixt”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iv], page 104, column 1:
2
To carry out; to put into effect.
- Your orders have been executed, sir!
- I'll execute your orders as soon as this meeting is adjourned.
1 more example
- Why delays / His hand to execute what his decree / Fixed on this day?1667, John Milton, “Book IX”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:
3
To perform.
- to execute a difficult piece of music brilliantly
- to execute a turn in ballet
1 more example
- Affinity groups will plan and execute nonviolent actions to both symbolically and directly challenge weapons development.1989 February 12, Escalating Peace: A Next Step To Resist Global Violence, “George Jarret”, in Gay Community News, volume 16, number 30, page 5:
4
Law To carry out, to perform an act; to put into effect or cause to become legally binding or valid (as a contract) by so doing.
- to execute a contract
5
Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences To start, launch, or run.
- to execute a program
6
Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences To run, usually successfully.
- The program executed, but data problems were discovered.
- Derived terms
- electrocute, executability, executable, executed, execute order, execution, executioner, executive, executor, executrix, executry, misexecute, nonexecuted, nonexecuting, outexecute, reexecute, self-executing, unexecute, unexecuted