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REFERENCE

execute

v.
US //ˈɛksəkˌjut// UK //ˈɛksɪkjˌuːt// ex·e·cute
  1. 1 to carry out a plan (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to do something that has been planned or agreed on.

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

    Example

    The team worked hard to execute the marketing plan before the product launch.

    Example

    The board of directors praised the CEO for her ability to execute the restructuring strategy under such difficult market conditions.
  2. 2 to perform a skill (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to perform a difficult action or movement that requires skill.

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

    Example

    The gymnast managed to execute a perfect landing after her routine.

    Example

    The pianist executed the final movement with such technical brilliance that the audience remained silent for several seconds after the last note.
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  1. 3 to run a program (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

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

    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.

    Example

    You need to execute the script to update the database.

    Example

    The operating system failed to execute the command because the user lacked the necessary administrative permissions.
  2. 4 to sign a document (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    to make a legal document valid by signing it.

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

    Example

    The contract is not official until both parties execute the document.

    Example

    The solicitor advised the client that the will must be witnessed by two independent parties to be properly executed.
  3. 5 to put to death (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    to kill someone as a legal punishment for a crime.

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

    Example

    The prisoner was executed at dawn after his final appeal was rejected.

    Example

    The historical record shows that the rebels were executed for treason shortly after the failed uprising in the capital.
    • put to death
    • hang
    • electrocute
Origin

From Old French executer (French exécuter), from Latin exsecutus, past participle of exsequor (“to follow (up/through)”, particularly in the sense “to go through with a deed or punishment”), from ex- (“out”) + sequor (“to follow”).

Word family

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