execution Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun putting a condemned person to death
    executing; death penalty; capital punishment.
  2. noun the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it
    performance; carrying into action; carrying out.
    • they criticised his performance as mayor
    • experience generally improves performance
  3. noun (computer science) the process of carrying out an instruction by a computer
    instruction execution.
  4. noun (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
    execution of instrument.
  5. noun 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
    writ of execution.
  6. noun the act of accomplishing some aim or executing some order
    implementation; carrying out.
    • the agency was created for the implementation of the policy
  7. noun unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being
    slaying; murder.

WordNet

Ex`e*cu"tion noun
Etymology
F. exécution, L. executio, exsecutio.
Definitions
  1. The act of executing; a carrying into effect or to completion; performance; achievement; consummation; as, the execution of a plan, a work, etc.
    The excellence of the subject contributed much to the happiness of the execution. Dryden.
  2. A putting to death as a legal penalty; death lawfully inflicted; as, the execution of a murderer.
    A warrant for his execution. Shak.
  3. The act of the mode of performing a work of art, of performing on an instrument, of engraving, etc.; as, the execution of a statue, painting, or piece of music.
    The first quality of execution is truth. Ruskin.
  4. (Law) (a) The carrying into effect the judgment given in a court of law. (b) A judicial writ by which an officer is empowered to carry a judgment into effect; final process. (c) The act of signing, and delivering a legal instrument, or giving it the forms required to render it valid; as, the execution of a deed, or a will.
  5. That which is executed or accomplished; effect; effective work; -- usually with do.
    To do some fatal execution. Shak.
  6. The act of sacking a town. Obs. Beau. & FL.

Webster 1913