ex·e·cute
(ĕk′sĭ-kyo͞ot′)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. Computers To run (a program or instruction).
[Middle English
executen, from Old French
executer, from Medieval Latin
execūtāre, from Latin
execūtor,
executor, from
execūtus, past participle of
exequī, exsequī,
to pursue, carry out :
ex-,
ex- +
sequī,
to follow; see
sekw- in
Indo-European roots.]
ex′e·cut′er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun | 1. | executing - putting a condemned person to deathcorporal punishment - the infliction of physical injury on someone convicted of committing a crime 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" 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 |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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