execution

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of executing : performance

2

: a putting to death especially as a legal penalty

3

: the process of enforcing a legal judgment (as against a debtor)

also : a judicial writ directing such enforcement

4

: the act or mode or result of performance

5

archaic : effective or destructive action

his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution

—William Shakespeare

—usually used with do

as soon as day came, we went out to see what execution we had done

—Daniel Defoe

Synonyms

• accomplishment
• achievement
• commission
• discharge
• enactment
• fulfillment
• fulfilment
• implementation
• performance
• perpetration
• prosecution
• pursuance

Examples of execution in a Sentence

He is in prison awaiting execution.

The quarterback's execution of the play was perfect.

skillful execution of the dance steps

Recent Examples on the Web

While British monarchs no longer face such a threat of public execution, the tradition of temporary hostage taking endures. —Armani Syed, TIME, 17 July 2024

Criminal cases where a defendant faces incarceration for years, maybe life — or death in Florida’s execution chamber. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2024

Gutierrez currently has a petition pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to rule on the matter sometime between now and the start of Gutierrez’s execution. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 15 July 2024

Corcoran's attorneys said the state's high court also must determine if the state and federal constitutions even permit the execution of a person with a severe mental illness. —Tim Evans, The Indianapolis Star, 12 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English execucion, from Anglo-French, from Latin exsecution-, exsecutio, from exsequi to execute, from ex- + sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing execution

• stay of execution

Kids Definition

execution

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion ˌek-sə-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of executing : a carrying through of something to its finish

put a plan into execution

2

: a putting to death as a legal penalty

3

: the way in which something is executed

Legal Definition

execution

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of executing

witnessed the execution of the will

2

: a putting to death as fulfillment of a judicial death sentence

3

: the process of enforcing a judgment (as against a debtor)

also : a judicial writ (as fieri facias) by which an officer is empowered to carry a judgment into effect see also levy