execute

ex·e·cute

verb \ˈek-si-ˌkyüt\

ex·e·cut·edex·e·cut·ing

Definition of EXECUTE

transitive verb

1

: to carry out fully : put completely into effect <execute a command>

2

: to do what is provided or required by <execute a decree>

3

: to put to death especially in compliance with a legal sentence

4

: to make or produce (as a work of art) especially by carrying out a design

5

: to perform what is required to give validity to <execute a deed>

6

: play <execute a piece of music>

intransitive verb

1

: to perform properly or skillfully the fundamentals of a sport or of a particular play <never had a team execute better — Bobby Knight>

2

: to perform indicated tasks according to encoded instructions —used of a computer program or routine

— ex·e·cut·able \-ˌkyü-tə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of EXECUTE

1. He was captured, tried, and executed for murder.
2. They carefully executed the plan.
3. The pilot executed an emergency landing.
4. The quarterback executed the play perfectly.
5. execute the provisions of the will

Origin of EXECUTE

Middle English, from Anglo-French executer, from execucion execution

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to EXECUTE

Synonyms: administer, apply, enforce, implement

Related Words: bring about, effect, effectuate; discharge, fulfill (or fulfil), render; cite, invoke; enact, legislate; honor, observe, uphold; prosecute; promulgate

Near Antonyms: disregard, ignore, neglect

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at kill, perform

Rhymes with EXECUTE

absolute, Aleut, arrowroot, Asyût, attribute, autoroute, bandicoot, bathing suit, birthday suit, bitterroot, bodysuit, boilersuit, bumbershoot, business suit, comminute, constitute, contribute, convolute, destitute, disrepute, dissolute, follow suit, gingerroot, hot pursuit, institute, involute, kiwifruit, leisure suit, malamute, overshoot, parachute, passion fruit, persecute, point-and-shoot, prosecute, prostitute, qiviut, resolute, restitute, revolute, run-and-shoot, rural route, subacute, substitute, troubleshoot, undershoot