# execute

/ˈɛksəkˌjut/ (US) · /ˈɛksɪkjˌuːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/execute
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to carry out a plan

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to do something that has been planned or agreed on.

For teachers: to carry out or put into effect a plan, order, or course of action. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- The team worked hard to execute the marketing plan before the product launch.
- The board of directors praised the CEO for her ability to execute the restructuring strategy under such difficult market conditions.

### 2. to perform a skill

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to perform a difficult action or movement that requires skill.

For teachers: to perform a specific action or artistic work with a particular level of skill or precision.

- The gymnast managed to execute a perfect landing after her routine.
- The pianist executed the final movement with such technical brilliance that the audience remained silent for several seconds after the last note.

### 3. to run a program

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to start or run a computer program or a set of instructions.

For teachers: to carry out a set of instructions or run a program. Can be used transitively for the user action or intransitively for the code itself.

- You need to execute the script to update the database.
- The operating system failed to execute the command because the user lacked the necessary administrative permissions.

### 4. to sign a document

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

to make a legal document valid by signing it.

For teachers: to make a legal instrument, such as a contract or a will, valid by fulfilling the required formalities, typically by signing.

- The contract is not official until both parties execute the document.
- The solicitor advised the client that the will must be witnessed by two independent parties to be properly executed.

### 5. to put to death

verb · CEFR B2

to kill someone as a legal punishment for a crime.

For teachers: to put to death as a result of a legal sentence or judicial decree.

- The prisoner was executed at dawn after his final appeal was rejected.
- The historical record shows that the rebels were executed for treason shortly after the failed uprising in the capital.

## Examples

- The team worked hard to execute the project on time.
- The computer will execute the script automatically every night at midnight to back up the data.
- While the strategy was theoretically sound, the management failed to execute it effectively, leading to significant losses during the first fiscal quarter.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.