execute

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form execute

Third-person singular executes

Past tense executed

Past participle executed

Present participle executing

1. (transitive) When you execute someone, you kill someone due to the crimes that the person has committed.
   • Synonym: lynch

   The smuggler was found guilty with delivering drugs across the border and was executed.

2. (transitive) When you execute an action, you carry it out.

   The soldiers executed the orders given by their superior.

3. (transitive) (computing) When you execute a program, you start, launch or run it.
   • Synonyms: start, launch, run and open

   I executed the program to begin my installation of the new web browser.

Related words

• executioner
• execution