Execute, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Executed; p. pr. & vb. n. Executing.]
Etymology: [F. exécuter, L. executus, exsecutus, p. p. of exequi to follow to the end, pursue; ex out + sequi to follow. See Second, Sue to follow up, and cf. Exequy.]
1. To follow out or through to the end; to carry out into complete effect; to complete; to finish; to effect; to perform; Why delays His hand to execute what his decree Fixed on this day Milton.
2. To complete, as a legal instrument; to perform what is required to give validity to, as by signing and perhaps sealing and delivering; as, to execute a deed, lease, mortgage, will, etc.
3. To give effect to; to do what is provided or required by; to perform the requirements or stimulations of; as, to execute a decree, judgment, writ, or process.
4. To infect capital punishment on; to put to death in conformity to a legal sentence; as, to execute a traitor.
4 more senses
5. Too put to death illegally; to kill. [Obs.] Shak.
6. (Mus.)
To perform, as a piece of music, either on an instrument or with the voice; as, to execute a difficult part brilliantly.
Syn. -- To accomplish; effect; fulfill; achieve; consummate; finish; complete. See Accomplish.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Execute, v. i.
1. To do one's work; to act one's part of purpose. [R.] Hayward.
2. To perform musically.
Shades of meaning
To execute is to follow through to the end, put into absolute and final effect in action; to administer is to conduct as one holding a trust, as a minister and not an originator; the sheriff executes a writ; the trustee administers an estate, a charity, etc.; to enforce is to put into effect by force, actual or potential. To administer the laws is the province of a court of justice; to execute the laws is the province of a sheriff, marshal, constable, or other executive officer; to administer the law is to declare or apply it; to execute the law is to put it in force; for this enforce is the more general word, execute the more specific. From signifying to superintend officially some application or infliction, administer passes by a natural transition to signify inflict, mete out, dispense, and blows, medicine, etc., are said to be administered: a usage thoroughly established and reputable in spite of pedantic objections. Enforce signifies also to present and urge home by intellectual and moral force; as, to enforce a precept or a duty. Compare DO; kill; make.