Executed
ˈeksɪkjuːtɪd
Definitions
3 meaningsTo put a plan, order, or process into effect.
ˈeksɪkjuːtɪd
To carry out a plan, order, or course of action.
The team executed their strategy flawlessly, winning the game.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a really cool plan, like building a Lego castle. When you start actually putting the blocks together, you're *executing* your plan!
👶 For kids: To do something that you planned, like following your plan to build a tower with blocks.
More Examples
The software is designed to execute the commands quickly.
The company executed its expansion plan by opening new branches.
How It's Used
"The CEO executed the company's restructuring plan."
"The soldiers executed their orders to advance."
"The program executed the code without errors."
To put to death as a penalty.
ˈeksɪkjuːtɪd
To put someone to death as a legal punishment.
The prisoner was executed for his crimes.
💡 Simply: Imagine a very serious penalty, like the government deciding someone must die for breaking a law. This is *executing* someone.
👶 For kids: To kill someone as a punishment, like in a very, very old story.
More Examples
The king ordered the execution of the traitor.
The historical records describe the executions of many innocent people.
How It's Used
"The convicted criminal was executed by lethal injection."
"Many political prisoners were executed during the revolution."
To perform a work of art or a skill with precision and artistry.
ˈeksɪkjuːtɪd
To produce a work of art or craftsmanship.
The architect executed his design with great attention to detail.
💡 Simply: When someone does a work of art, like painting a picture, or playing music well, that is *executing* the art.
👶 For kids: To make something really good, like painting a picture.
More Examples
The dancer executed the difficult routine gracefully.
The chef expertly executed the complicated recipe.
How It's Used
"The artist brilliantly executed the painting."
"The pianist executed the complex piece with skill."
Idioms & expressions
execute a warrant
To carry out a legal order issued by a court, such as an arrest warrant or search warrant.
"The police arrived to execute a warrant for the suspect's arrest."
execute a command
To follow and perform an order or instruction, especially in the context of military or computing.
"The soldier executed the command to advance."
From Latin *exsequi* ('to carry out, follow to the end'), from *ex-* ('out, completely') + *sequi* ('to follow').
The word 'execute' has been used since the 14th century, initially in the sense of 'to carry out'. The specific use in the context of capital punishment emerged later.
Memory tip
Imagine a conductor, *executing* the musical score, bringing it to life.