# executioner

/ˌɛksəkˈjuʃənɝ/ (US) · /ˌɛksɪkjˈuːʃənɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/executioner
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a person whose job is to kill someone who has been sentenced to death by a court. This word is mostly used when talking about history or stories.

For teachers: an official appointed to carry out a death sentence. Often used in historical or literary contexts to describe the person performing a capital punishment.

## Examples

- The executioner wore a black mask to hide his face.
- In medieval times, the executioner was often a feared figure who lived on the outskirts of the city.
- The novel explores the psychological burden placed upon the royal executioner, who must balance his duty to the crown against his own moral reservations.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in historical narratives; in modern legal contexts, terms like 'execution technician' or 'corrections officer' are more frequent.

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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.