execute

To execute is defined as to carry out, perform or put to death.

(verb)

An example of to execute is completing a plan of action.
An example of to execute is to run a computer program.
An example of to execute is a prisoner on death row being given a legal injection to end their life.

See execute in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb executed, executing

to follow out or carry out; do; perform; fulfill: to execute another's orders
to carry into effect; administer (laws, etc.)
to put to death as in accordance with a legally imposed sentence
to create or produce in accordance with an idea, plan, blueprint, etc.: to execute a statue in marble
to perform (a piece of music, a part in a play, etc.)
Comput. to perform the operations indicated in (an instruction or program)
Law to complete or make valid (a deed, contract, etc.) as by signing, sealing, and delivering

Origin: ME executen < OFr executer, back-form. < executeur: see executor

intransitive verb

Comput. to run an instruction or program

Related Forms:

See execute in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing, ex·e·cutes

To put into effect; carry out: a government that executes the decisions of the ruling party.
To perform; do: execute a U-turn. See Synonyms at perform.
To create (a work of art, for example) in accordance with a prescribed design.
To make valid, as by signing: execute a deed.
To perform or carry out what is required by: execute the terms of a will.
To put to death, especially by carrying out a lawful sentence.
Computer Science To run (a program or an instruction).

Origin:

Origin: Middle English executen

Origin: , from Old French executer

Origin: , from Medieval Latin execūtāre

Origin: , from Latin execūtor, executor

Origin: , from execūtus

Origin: , past participle of exequī, exsequī, to pursue, carry out

Origin: : ex-, ex-

Origin: + sequī, to follow; see sek^w-¹ in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: