execute

Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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See also: exécuté and exécute

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Old French executer (French exécuter), from Latin exsecutus, past participle of exsequor, from ex- (“out”) + sequor (“to follow”).

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Verb[edit]

execute (third-person singular simple present executes, present participle executing, simple past and past participle executed)

  1. (transitive) To kill, especially as punishment for a capital crime.
    Coordinate term: murder
    There are certain states where it is lawful to execute prisoners convicted of certain crimes.
    During World War II, both Nazis and Soviets were known to execute all who stood in their way.
  2. (transitive) To carry out; to put into effect.
    Your orders have been executed, sir!
    I'll execute your orders as soon as this meeting is adjourned.
  3. (transitive) To perform.
    to execute a difficult piece of music brilliantly
    to execute a turn in ballet
  4. (transitive, law) To carry out, to perform an act; to put into effect or cause to become legally binding or valid (as a contract) by so doing.
    to execute a contract
  5. (transitive, computing) To start, launch or run
    to execute a program
    Synonyms: start, launch, run, open
  6. (intransitive, computing) To run, usually successfully.
    The program executed, but data problems were discovered.

Derived terms[edit]

  • See also Thesaurus:kill

    • Translations[edit]

    Latin[edit]

    Pronunciation[edit]

    Participle[edit]

    execūte

    1. vocative masculine singular of execūtus

    Portuguese[edit]

    Verb[edit]

    execute

    1. inflection of executar:
      1. first/third-person singular present subjunctive
      2. third-person singular imperative

    Spanish[edit]

    Verb[edit]

    execute

    1. inflection of executar:
      1. first/third-person singular present subjunctive
      2. third-person singular imperative
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