Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of carrying out or accomplishing a plan, order, or task: "Execution" refers to the process of putting something into effect or performing an action.
   • The carrying out of a sentence of death: "Execution" specifically denotes the act of putting a condemned person to death as a legal punishment.
   • (Computing) The process of running a computer program or instruction: In computing, "execution" is the process by which a computer carries out the instructions of a program.
   • (Law) The process of completing a legal document: In legal contexts, it refers to the signing and formal completion of a document like a contract or deed to make it legally valid.
   • The manner or style of performing a task or artistic work: It can also refer to the quality or skill with which something is performed.

Usage Examples

• General Act of Carrying Out:
  • The execution of the project was flawless.
  • The general oversaw the execution of the battle plan.
• Capital Punishment:
  • The execution was scheduled for dawn.
  • Public opinion on execution is deeply divided.
• Computing:
  • The program halted during execution due to an error.
  • The speed of code execution is critical for this application.
• Legal Completion:
  • The execution of the will took place in the lawyer's office.
• Style of Performance:
  • The pianist's execution of the sonata was technically brilliant.

Advanced Usage

• "To stay execution": To halt or postpone a punishment, especially a death sentence.
  • The governor issued a last-minute order to stay the execution.
• "Summary execution": An execution carried out immediately and without a formal trial.
  • The prisoners of war faced summary execution.
• "Execution of duty": The performance of one's official responsibilities.
  • He was commended for his faithful execution of duty.

Variants and Related Words

• Execute (verb): To carry out or perform.
  • The company will execute the new strategy next quarter.
• Executive (adjective/noun): Relating to the management or execution of plans; a person with managerial authority.
  • She has strong executive skills.
  • The executives approved the budget.
• Executor (noun): A person appointed to carry out the terms of a will.
  • He was named the executor of his uncle's estate.

Synonyms

• Implementation: The process of putting a decision or plan into effect.
• Performance: The act of carrying out or accomplishing an action, task, or function.
• Carrying out: The act of completing or fulfilling something.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Carry out an execution: To perform the act of putting someone to death.
  • The state carried out the execution at midnight.

Related Idioms

• "To do execution": (Archaic) To be very effective or damaging; to have a powerful effect.
  • The speaker's words did great execution on the opinions of the crowd.

Noun

1. unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being
2. the act of accomplishing some aim or executing some order
   • the agency was created for the implementation of the policy
3. a routine court order that attempts to enforce the judgment that has been granted to a plaintiff by authorizing a sheriff to carry it out
4. (law) the completion of a legal instrument (such as a contract or deed) by signing it (and perhaps sealing and delivering it) so that it becomes legally binding and enforceable
5. (computer science) the process of carrying out an instruction by a computer
6. the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it
   • they criticised his performance as mayor
   • experience generally improves performance
7. putting a condemned person to death