Simple Definition of execute
: to kill (someone) especially as punishment for a crime
: to do (something that you have planned to do or been told to do)
: to do or perform (an action or movement that requires skill)
Full Definition of execute
1 : to carry out fully : put completely into effect <execute a command>
2 : to do what is provided or required by <execute a decree>
3 : to put to death especially in compliance with a legal sentence
4 : to make or produce (as a work of art) especially by carrying out a design
5 : to perform what is required to give validity to <execute a deed>
6 : play <execute a piece of music>
1 : to perform properly or skillfully the fundamentals of a sport or of a particular play <never had a team execute better — Bobby Knight>
2 : to perform indicated tasks according to encoded instructions —used of a computer program or routine
Examples of execute in a sentence
He was captured, tried, and executed for murder.
They carefully executed the plan.
The pilot executed an emergency landing.
The quarterback executed the play perfectly.
execute the provisions of the will
Origin of execute
Middle English, from Anglo-French executer, from execucion execution
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of execute
perform, execute, discharge, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill mean to carry out or into effect. perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill <performed gymnastics>. execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent <executed the hit-and-run>. discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks <discharged his duties>. accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out <accomplished everything they set out to do>. achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties <achieve greatness>. effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles <effected sweeping reforms>. fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities <fulfilled their ambitions>.
EXECUTE Defined for Kids
Definition of execute for Students
1 : to kill according to a legal order
2 : to put into effect : perform or carry out <execute a plan>
3 : to make according to a design <The painting was executed in bright colors.>
Legal Definition of execute
1 : perform: as a : to carry out fully <includes not only executed violence, but also threatened violence — Louisiana Civil Code> b : to do what is provided or required by <execute a contract> <execute a search warrant> c : to deem (a use in property) to confer full seisin in a cestui que use by operation of the Statute of Uses
2 : to perform what is required to give validity to; especially : to complete (as by signing and delivering) in proper form <execute a note> <execute a deed>
3 : to put to death in compliance with a judicial death sentence
Seen and Heard
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