execution

Etymology

From Old French execution (c.1360), from Latin exsecutiō, an agent noun from exsequor (“to follow out”), from ex (“out”) + sequor (“follow”).

noun

1. The act, manner or style of executing (actions, maneuvers, performances).
   Already the poor man saw himself crowned by the might of his arm Emperor of Trebizond at least; and so, led away by the intense enjoyment he found in these pleasant fancies, he set himself forthwith to put his scheme into execution. 1885, John Ormsby, chapter 1, in Don Quixoteᵂⁱᵏⁱˢᵒᵘʳᶜᵉ, volume 1, translation of original by Miguel de Cervantes
2. The state of being accomplished.
   The mission's successful execution lifted the troops' morale.
   Coordinate term: realization
3. The act of putting to death or being put to death as a penalty, or actions so associated.
4. (law) The carrying into effect of a court judgment, or of a will.
5. (now rare) Specifically, the seizure of a debtor's goods or property in default of payment.
   There are two executions in the house, one for sixteen hundred, the other for two thousand three hundred pounds. 1792, Charlotte Smith, Desmond, Broadview, published 2001, page 166
6. (law) The formal process by which a contract is made valid and put into binding effect.
7. (computing) The carrying out of an instruction, program or program segment by a computer.
   The entire machine slowed down during the execution of the virus checker.