execute
/ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.95 in modern English
16
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
3
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
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.
Transitive verb
Example Sentences
- "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."
- "Was not thy Father, Richard, Earle of Cambridge, / For Treaſon executed in our late Kings dayes?"
- "Your orders have been executed, sir!"
- "I'll execute your orders as soon as this meeting is adjourned."
- "Why delays / His hand to execute what his decree / Fixed on this day?"
Etymology
From Old French executer (French exécuter), from Latin exsecutus, past participle of exsequor (“to follow (up/through)”, particularly in the sense “to go through with a deed or punishment”), from ex- (“out”) + sequor (“to follow”).
Origin
- Source language: Old French
Word Breakdown
Usage
Inflected Forms
executes (present, singular)
executing (participle, present)
executed (participle, past)
executed (past)
exequte (alternative, obsolete)
exequute (alternative, obsolete)
exsecute (alternative, obsolete)
exsequute (alternative, obsolete)