execute meaning and definition

EXECUTE verb

Definition of execute (verb)

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