Definition Definition

execute - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'execute' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Execute [ v. i.]
- To do one's work; to act one's part of purpose.
- To perform musically.
2 . Execute [ v. t.]
- To follow out or through to the end; to carry out into complete effect; to complete; to finish; to effect; to perform.
- To complete, as a legal instrument; to perform what is required to give validity to, as by signing and perhaps sealing and delivering; as, to execute a deed, lease, mortgage, will, etc.
- To give effect to; to do what is provided or required by; to perform the requirements or stimulations of; as, to execute a decree, judgment, writ, or process.
- To infect capital punishment on; to put to death in conformity to a legal sentence; as, to execute a traitor.
- Too put to death illegally; to kill.
- To perform, as a piece of music, either on an instrument or with the voice; as, to execute a difficult part brilliantly.

Meaning of 'execute' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . execute [ v]
Meaning (1):
- put in effect
Example in sentence:
  • carry out a task;
  • execute the decision of the people;
  • He actioned the operation
Meaning (2):
- carry out the legalities of
Example in sentence:
  • execute a will or a deed
Meaning (3):
- kill as a means of socially sanctioned punishment
Example in sentence:
  • In some states, criminals are executed
Meaning (4):
- carry out or perform an action
Example in sentence:
  • John did the painting, the weeding, and he cleaned out the gutters;
  • she did a little dance;
  • the skater executed a triple pirouette
Meaning (5):
- carry out a process or program, as on a computer or a machine
Example in sentence:
  • run a new program on the Mac;
  • Run the dishwasher;
  • the computer executed the instruction
Meaning (6):
- murder in a planned fashion
Example in sentence:
  • The Mafioso who collaborated with the police was executed
Meaning (7):
- sign in the presence of witnesses
Example in sentence:
  • The President executed the treaty