U

execution execution execution

noun

the act or process of executing.
the state or fact of being executed.
the infliction of capital punishment or, formerly, of any legal punishment.
the process of performing a judgment or sentence of a court: The judge stayed execution of the sentence pending appeal.
a mode or style of performance; technical skill, as in music: The pianist’s execution of the sonata was consummate.
effective, usually destructive action, or the result attained by it (usually preceded by do): The grenades did rapid execution.
Law. a judicial writ directing the enforcement of a judgment.
Computers. the act of running, or the results of having run, a program or routine, or the performance of an instruction.

noun

the act or process of executing
the carrying out or undergoing of a sentence of death
the style or manner in which something is accomplished or performed; techniqueas a pianist his execution is poor
1. the enforcement of the judgment of a court of law
2. the writ ordering such enforcement

mid-14c., from Anglo-French execucioun (late 13c.), Old French execucion “a carrying out” (of an order, etc.), from Latin executionem (nominative executio) “an accomplishing,” noun of action from past participle stem of exequi/exsequi “to follow out,” from ex- “out” (see ex-) + sequi “follow” (see sequel).

Sense of “act of putting to death” (mid-14c.) is from Middle English legal phrases such as don execution of deth “carry out a sentence of death.” Literal meaning “action of carrying something into effect” is from late 14c. John McKay, coach of the woeful Tampa Bay Buccaneers (U.S. football team), when asked by a reporter what he thought of his team’s execution, replied, “I think it would be a good idea.” Executor and executioner were formerly used indifferently, because both are carrying out legal orders.