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Added 3 October 2026

execute

/ˈɛksɪˌkjuːt/ verb

In Latin: carnificō Wiktionary

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about execute at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To kill, especially as punishment for a capital crime.
There are certain states where it is lawful to execute prisoners convicted of certain crimes.
To carry out; to put into effect.
Your orders have been executed, sir!
To perform.
to execute a difficult piece of music brilliantly

Origin

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”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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