Perform Definition

pər-fôrm

performed, performing, performs

verb

performed, performing, performs

To act on so as to accomplish or bring to completion; execute; carry out (a task, process, etc.)

Webster's New World

To carry out or execute an action or process; esp., to take part in a musical program, act in a play, dance, etc. before an audience.

Webster's New World

To admit of being performed as specified.

A play that performs well.

Webster's New World

To carry out; meet the requirements of; fulfill (a promise, command, etc.)

Webster's New World

To give a performance of; render or enact (a piece of music, a dramatic role, etc.)

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Origin of Perform

From Middle English performen, parfournen (“to perform"), from Anglo-Norman performer, parfourmer, alteration of Old French parfornir, parfurnir (“to complete, accomplish, perform"), from par- + fornir, furnir (“to accomplish, furnish"), from Frankish *frumjan (“to accomplish, furnish"), from Proto-Germanic *frumjanÄ…, *framjanÄ… (“to further, promote, accomplish, furnish, carry out"), from Proto-Indo-European *promo- (“in front, forth"), *per- (“forward, out"). Cognate with Old High German frummen (“to do, execute, accomplish, provide"), Old Saxon frummian (“to perform, promote"), Old English fremman (“to perform, execute, carry out, accomplish"), Gothic 𐍆𐍂𐌿𐌼𐌾𐌰𐌽 (frumjan, “to promote, accomplish"). See also frame, from.

From Wiktionary
Middle English performen from Anglo-Norman performer from Old French parfornir par- intensive pref. (from Latin per- per-) fournir to furnish furnish

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition