ex|e|cute

ex|e|cute «EHK suh kyoot», verb, -cut|ed, -cut|ing.

–transitive verb.

1. to put to death according to an order, especially according to a sentence determined by law: »

The murderer was executed.

SYNONYM(S): kill, hang, electrocute.

2. to put into effect; enforce: »

Congress makes the laws; the President executes them.

3. to carry out; do: »

The nurse executed the doctor's orders.

SYNONYM(S): accomplish, fulfill, complete. See syn. under perform. (Cf. ↑perform)

4. to make according to a plan or design: »

An artist executes a painting or statue.

5. to perform or play (a piece of music).

6. to make (a deed, lease, contract, will, or other document) legal by signing, sealing, or doing whatever is necessary.

–intransitive verb.

1. to carry out a computer instruction or program: »

a sub-routine that won't execute (New York Times).

2. to make the fundamental plays in a sport smoothly and skillfully: »

Recalling the historic Harvard-Yale football match-up that ended in a miraculous tie, the captain explained: we were executing; we were doing well.

╂[< Medieval Latin exsecutare < Latin exsecūtus, past participle of exsequī < ex- out + sequī follow]