execute

Etymology

From Old French executer (French exécuter), from Latin exsecutus, past participle of exsequor, from ex- (“out”) + sequor (“to follow”).

verb

1. (transitive) To kill, especially as punishment for a capital crime.
   Coordinate term: murder
   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.
2. (transitive) To carry out; to put into effect.
   Your orders have been executed, sir!
   I'll execute your orders as soon as this meeting is adjourned.
3. (transitive) To perform.
   to execute a difficult piece of music brilliantly
   to execute a turn in ballet
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.
   to execute a contract
5. (transitive, computing) To start, launch or run
   to execute a program
6. (intransitive, computing) To run, usually successfully.
   The program executed, but data problems were discovered.