execute

UK: /ˈɛksɪkjuːt/ US: /ˈɛksɪˌkjut/ ,(ek′si kyo̅o̅t′)

Inflections of 'execute' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

executes

v 3rd person singular

executing

v pres p

executed

v past

executed

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ex•e•cute /ˈɛksɪˌkyut/   v. [~ + object] , -cut•ed, -cut•ing. 

1. to carry out; accomplish:
   to execute a plan.
2. to perform or do:
   to execute a handstand.
3. to put to death according to law:
   The murderer was executed in the electric chair.
4. to murder;
   assassinate:
   The rebel army leaders executed the general.
5. Computing to run (a computer program) or process (a command):
   The program is executed by typing RUN at the prompt.

ex•e•cu•tion /ˌɛksɪˈkyuʃən/  n. [countable* uncountable] See -seq-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

ex•e•cute  (ek′si kyo̅o̅t′), v., -cut•ed, -cut•ing. 
v.t. 

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. Music and Dance to perform or play (a piece of music).
7. Law
   • to give effect or force to (a law, decree, judicial sentence, etc.).
   • to carry out the terms of (a will).
   • 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. Computing to run (a program or routine) or to carry out (an instruction in a program).

v.i. 

9. to perform or accomplish something, as an assigned task.
10. Sport 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.

• Medieval Latin execūtāre, derivative of Latin execūtus, past participle of ex(s)equī to follow up, carry out (punishment), execute; see ex-¹, sequence
• Old French executer
• Middle English executen 1350–1400

ex′e•cut′a•ble, adj. 
ex′e•cut′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. achieve, complete, finish, consummate.
• 2. See perform. 
• 3. See kill ¹.
• 7. a. enforce, administer.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

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. 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)

Etymology: 14th Century: from Old French executer, back formation from executeur executor

ˈexeˌcuter noun