executing

ex·e·cute  (ks-kyt)

tr.v. ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing, ex·e·cutes

1. To put into effect; carry out: a government that executes the decisions of the ruling party.

2. To perform; do: execute a U-turn. See Synonyms at perform.

3. To create (a work of art, for example) in accordance with a prescribed design.

4. To make valid, as by signing: execute a deed.

5. To perform or carry out what is required by: execute the terms of a will.

6. To put to death, especially by carrying out a lawful sentence.

7. Computer Science To run (a program or an instruction).

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[Middle English executen, from Old French executer, from Medieval Latin exectre, from Latin exector, executor, from exectus, past participle of exequ, exsequ, to pursue, carry out : ex-, ex- + sequ, to follow; see sek^w-¹ in Indo-European roots.]

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exe·cuta·ble adj.

exe·cuter n.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

executing - putting a condemned person to death capital punishment, death penalty, execution corporal punishment - the infliction of physical injury on someone convicted of committing a crime burning at the stake, burning - execution by fire hanging - a form of capital punishment; victim is suspended by the neck from a gallows or gibbet until dead; "in those days the hanging of criminals was a public entertainment" electrocution, burning - execution by electricity beheading, decapitation - execution by cutting off the victim's head crucifixion - the act of executing by a method widespread in the ancient world; the victim's hands and feet are bound or nailed to a cross