execute

verb

EK-si-kyoot/ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/

Formsexecutes, executing, executed

6 meanings of execute

1
verbtransitive
To carry out a plan, order, or task and make it happen.
Like following a recipe step by step to make a meal.
The team will execute the plan next week.
She executed each step of the recipe carefully.
Similarimplement, perform, accomplish, complete, fulfill
2
verbtransitive
To kill someone as punishment for a very serious crime.
The state may execute prisoners convicted of murder.
They executed the spy at dawn.
Similarkill
Note
3
verbtransitive
To perform an action, move, or piece of work.
The skater can execute a perfect spin.
He executed the dance move without any mistakes.
Similarperform, do, complete
4
verbtransitive
To make a legal document, like a contract, official by signing it.
Like signing your name to make a promise official.
Both parties must execute the agreement before it counts.
They executed the contract in front of a lawyer.
Similarsign
Note
5
verbtransitive
To start a program or set of instructions so a computer runs it.
Like pressing play to start a song.
Click the icon to execute the program.
The computer executed the command instantly.
Similarrun, start (entry), launch, open
Note
6
verbintransitive
When a program runs and works without problems.
The program finally executed after we fixed the bug.
This code will not execute on older machines.
Similarrun, operate
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin exsequor, meaning "to follow through," made from ex- ("out") and sequor ("to follow"). It came into English through Old French executer.