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Webster 1913 Edition

Execute

Ex′e-cute

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Executed
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Executing
.]
[F.
exécuter
, L.
executus
,
exsecutus
, p. p. of
exequi
to follow to the end, pursue;
ex
out +
sequi
to follow. See
Second
,
Sue
to follow up, and cf.
Exequy
.]
1.
To follow out or through to the end; to carry out into complete effect; to complete; to finish; to effect; to perform.
Why delays
His hand to
execute
what his decree
Fixed on this day?
Milton.
2.
To complete, as a legal instrument; to perform what is required to give validity to, as by signing and perhaps sealing and delivering;
as, to
execute
a deed, lease, mortgage, will, etc.
3.
To give effect to; to do what is provided or required by; to perform the requirements or stipulations of;
as, to
execute
a decree, judgment, writ, or process
.
4.
To infect capital punishment on; to put to death in conformity to a legal sentence;
as, to
execute
a traitor
.
5.
To put to death illegally; to kill.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Syn. – To accomplish; effect; fulfill; achieve; consummate; finish; complete. See
Accomplish
.

Ex′e-cute

,
Verb.
I.
1.
To do one’s work; to act one's part or purpose.
[R.]
Hayward.
2.
To perform musically.

Webster 1828 Edition

Execute

EX'ECUTE

,
Verb.
T.
[L. exequor, for exsequor; ex and sequor, to follow. See Seek.]
1.
Literally, to follow out or through. Hence, to perform; to do; to effect; to carry into complete effect; to complete; to finish. We execute a purpose, a plan, design or scheme; we execute a work undertaken, that is, we pursue it to the end.
2.
To perform; to inflict; as, to execute judgment or vengeance.
3.
To carry into effect; as, to execute law or justice.
4.
To carry into effect the law, or the judgment or sentence on a person; to inflict capital punishment on; to put to death; as, to execute a traitor.
5.
To kill.
6.
To complete, as a legal instrument; to perform what is required to give validity to a writing, as by signing and sealing; as, to execute a deed or lease.

EX'ECUTE

,
Verb.
I.
To perform the proper office; to produce an effect.

Definition 2024

execute

execute

See also: exécuté and exécute

English

Verb

execute ‎(third-person singular simple present executes, present participle executing, simple past and past participle executed)

  1. (transitive) To kill as punishment for capital crimes.
    There are certain states where it is lawful to execute prisoners convicted of certain crimes.
  2. (transitive) 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.
    • Milton
      Why delays / His hand to execute what his decree / Fixed on this day?
  3. (transitive) To perform.
    to execute a difficult piece of music brilliantly
    to execute a turn in ballet
  4. (transitive) To cause to become legally valid; as, to execute a contract.
  5. (transitive, computing) To start, launch or run; as, to execute a program.

Synonyms

Related terms

Translations

Latin

Participle

execūte

  1. vocative masculine singular of execūtus

Portuguese

Verb

execute

  1. First-person singular (eu) present subjunctive of executar
  2. Third-person singular (ele, ela, also used with tu and você?) present subjunctive of executar
  3. Third-person singular (você) affirmative imperative of executar
  4. Third-person singular (você) negative imperative of executar

Etymology

From Old French executer (French exécuter), from Latin exsecutus, past participle of exsequor, from ex- ‎(“out”) + sequor ‎(“to follow”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/

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