execute [ek-si-kyoot] SynonymsExamplesWord Origin verb (used with object), ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing.
- to carry out; accomplish: to execute a plan or order.
- to perform or do: to execute a maneuver; to execute a gymnastic feat.
- to inflict capital punishment on; put to death according to law.
- to murder; assassinate.
- to produce in accordance with a plan or design: a painting executed by an unknown artist.
- to perform or play (a piece of music).
- 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.
- Computers. to run (a program or routine) or to carry out (an instruction in a program).
verb (used without object), ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing.
- to perform or accomplish something, as an assigned task.
- Sports. 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.
Origin of execute 1350–1400; Middle English executen Old French executer Medieval Latin execūtāre, derivative of Latin execūtus, past participle of ex(s)equī to follow up, carry out (punishment), execute; see ex-1, sequence Related formsex·e·cut·a·ble, adjectiveex·e·cut·er, nounnon·ex·e·cut·a·ble, adjectiveout·ex·e·cute, verb (used with object), out·ex·e·cut·ed, out·ex·e·cut·ing.pre·ex·e·cute, verb (used with object), pre·ex·e·cut·ed, pre·ex·e·cut·ing.re·ex·e·cute, verb (used with object), re·ex·e·cut·ed, re·ex·e·cut·ing.un·ex·e·cut·a·ble, adjectiveun·ex·e·cut·ed, adjectiveun·ex·e·cut·ing, adjectivewell-ex·e·cut·ed, adjectiveSynonym study 2. See perform. 3. See kill1.Synonyms for execute 1. achieve, complete, finish, consummate. 7a. enforce, administer. Examples from the Web for well-executed Contemporary Examples of well-executed
This is what a well-executed “OMG” moment actually looks like.
‘The Good Wife’ Perfects the ‘OMG’ Television Moment
Chancellor Agard
March 24, 2014
“This was serious, well-planned, well-executed,” Quigley said.
Victims of the Libyan Consulate Attack
Matthew DeLuca
September 13, 2012
But these stories are more than well-executed variations on a theme.
Must Read Fiction: ‘Prague Fatale,’ ‘Derby Day’ and More
Malcolm Forbes, Hillary Kelly, Mythili Rao
May 9, 2012
The bin Laden mission hit all the military musts: quick, well-executed, no casualties.
The 13 Ballsiest Commando Raids
The Daily Beast
May 12, 2011
Jonathan is a master when it comes to simple, well-executed, seasonal fare, and that talent is reflected in Barbuto.
Tom Colicchio
September 29, 2009
Historical Examples of well-executed
It was certainly a daring and well-executed plan on the part of the President.
Percy F. Westerman
People have said that it is not a real stone, but a well-executed imitation.
Anna Katharine Green
Sniveller, who had been taught the geography of the mansion from a well-executed plan, proceeded to the same door inside.
Dusty Diamonds Cut and Polished
R.M. Ballantyne
Immediately she despatched to his lordship a messenger, conveying him from the house by a well-executed sally.
Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 1 (of 2)
John Roby
In the centre, above the entablature, is a group of well-executed winged figures, and beneath is a sculptured pelican.
Walter Thornbury
British Dictionary definitions for well-executed execute verb (tr)
- to put (a condemned person) to death; inflict capital punishment upon
- to carry out; complete; perform; doto execute an order
- to perform; accomplish; effectto execute a pirouette
- to make or produceto execute a drawing
- to carry into effect (a judicial sentence, the law, etc); enforce
- law to comply with legal formalities in order to render (a deed, etc) effective, as by signing, sealing, and delivering
- to sign (a will) in the presence of witnesses and in accordance with other legal formalities
- to carry out the terms of (a contract, will, etc)
Derived Formsexecuter, nounWord Origin for execute C14: from Old French executer, back formation from executeur executor Word Origin and History for well-executed execute v.
late 14c., “to carry into effect,” from Old French executer (14c.), from Medieval Latin executare, from Latin execut-/exsecut-, past participle stem of exequi/exsequi “to follow out” (see execution). Meaning “to inflict capital punishment” is from late 15c. Related: Executed; executing.