execution

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of executing : performance

2

: a putting to death especially as a legal penalty

3

: the process of enforcing a legal judgment (as against a debtor)

also : a judicial writ directing such enforcement

4

: the act or mode or result of performance

5

archaic : effective or destructive action

his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution

—William Shakespeare

—usually used with do

as soon as day came, we went out to see what execution we had done

—Daniel Defoe

Synonyms

• accomplishment
• achievement
• commission
• discharge
• enactment
• fulfillment
• fulfilment
• implementation
• performance
• perpetration
• prosecution
• pursuance

Examples of execution in a Sentence

He is in prison awaiting execution.

The quarterback's execution of the play was perfect.

skillful execution of the dance steps

Recent Examples on the Web

The new team will need to decide whether to fully embrace these measures, delay their execution, or attempt to repeal certain provisions. —Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

The story mirrors the original, following a fresh batch of desperate have-nots competing in elementary school games with a sizable fortune for the winners and pitiless execution for the losers. —Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025

Thirteen federal inmates were executed during Trump's first term, the most under any president in decades, but Biden halted executions after taking office in 2021. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025

Their struggles can be attributed to a lack of execution and a lack of chances. —Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English execucion, from Anglo-French, from Latin exsecution-, exsecutio, from exsequi to execute, from ex- + sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing execution

• stay of execution

Kids Definition

execution

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion ˌek-sə-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of executing : a carrying through of something to its finish

put a plan into execution

2

: a putting to death as a legal penalty

3

: the way in which something is executed

Legal Definition

execution

noun

ex·​e·​cu·​tion ˌek-si-ˈkyü-shən 

1

: the act or process of executing

witnessed the execution of the will

2

: a putting to death as fulfillment of a judicial death sentence

3

: the process of enforcing a judgment (as against a debtor)

also : a judicial writ (as fieri facias) by which an officer is empowered to carry a judgment into effect see also levy