Pronunciations (4)
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/ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/
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/ˈɛɡzɪˌkjuːt/
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/eɡ.zɪ.kjuːʈ/
Pronunciation notes
- South-Asia
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ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt
Verb
To kill, especially as punishment for a capital crime.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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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.
More examples (1)
Was not thy Father, Richard, Earle of Cambridge, / For Treaſon executed in our late Kings dayes?
To carry out; to put into effect.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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Your orders have been executed, sir!
I'll execute your orders as soon as this meeting is adjourned.
More examples (2)
Why delays / His hand to execute what his decree / Fixed on this day?
Then, on the basis of that permission, he executed a mutatio capparum⁷ and decked out his donkey, showing him off to great advantage.
To perform.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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to execute a difficult piece of music brilliantly
to execute a turn in ballet
More examples (1)
Affinity groups will plan and execute nonviolent actions to both symbolically and directly challenge weapons development.
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.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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to execute a contract
To start, launch, or run.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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to execute a program
To run, usually successfully.
Usage- Intransitive
- Examples
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The program executed, but data problems were discovered.
Verb
kill as a means of socially sanctioned punishment
- Synonyms
- Examples
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In some states, criminals are executed
murder in a planned fashion
- Examples
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The Mafioso who collaborated with the police was executed
put in effect
- Broader terms
- Examples
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carry out a task
execute the decision of the people
More examples (1)
He actioned the operation
carry out the legalities of
- Examples
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execute a will or a deed
carry out a process or program, as on a computer or a machine
- Synonyms
- Examples
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Run the dishwasher
run a new program on the Mac
More examples (1)
the computer executed the instruction
carry out or perform an action
- Examples
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John did the painting, the weeding, and he cleaned out the gutters
the skater executed a triple pirouette
More examples (1)
she did a little dance
sign in the presence of witnesses
- Broader terms
- Examples
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The President executed the treaty