U

execute

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.
1. to give effect or force to (a law, decree, judicial sentence, etc.).
2. to carry out the terms of (a will).
3. 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.

Fresh Picks

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.

The Dreadnought of the Air

Percy F. Westerman

People have said that it is not a real stone, but a well-executed imitation.

The Woman in the Alcove

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.

Old and New London

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.