execute
//ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt//
Forms
- present (v1)
- execute
- past (v2)
- executed
- past participle (v3)
- executed
- present participle
- executing
- 3rd person singular
- executes
Definitions
1.To kill, especially as punishment for a capital crime.
- According to international treaties, it is illegal to execute prisoners of war.
- There are certain states where it is lawful to execute prisoners convicted of certain crimes.
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.
- Why delays / His hand to execute what his decree / Fixed on this day?
3.To perform.
- Affinity groups will plan and execute nonviolent actions to both symbolically and directly challenge weapons development.
4.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.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3558
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Word family
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”).