Meaning

(transitive) To kill, especially as punishment for a capital crime..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To kill, especially as punishment for a capital crime.
2. (transitive) To carry out; to put into effect.
3. (transitive) To perform.
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.
5. (transitive, computing) To start, launch, or run.
6. (intransitive, computing) To run, usually successfully.

Example Sentences

There are certain states where it is lawful to execute prisoners convicted of certain crimes.

According to international treaties, it is illegal to execute prisoners of war.

Was not thy Father, Richard, Earle of Cambridge, / For Treaſon executed in our late Kings dayes?

Your orders have been executed, sir!

I'll execute your orders as soon as this meeting is adjourned.

Why delays / His hand to execute what his decree / Fixed on this day?

to execute a difficult piece of music brilliantly

to execute a turn in ballet

Word Forms

• executes
• executing
• executed
• exequte
• exequute
• exsecute
• exsequute

Synonyms for execute

Related Words

When Should You Use Execute?

Use execute when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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