Execute
EK-sih-kyoot
/ˈeksɪkjuːt/
To carry out or put into effect (a plan, order, or course of action); to perform the formalities necessary to make (a legal document) valid.
In legal contexts, 'execute' often means to sign a document with all necessary formalities, making it legally valid and effective. It can also mean to carry out the terms of a will or judgment.
The story behind the word. The word 'execute' comes from the Latin verb exsequi, meaning 'to follow out,' 'to pursue,' or 'to perform.' It's built from ex- (out) and sequi (to follow). So, to 'execute' something is to 'follow it out' to its completion, to carry it through to its intended end. In legal terms, when you 'execute' a contract, you are performing all the necessary steps to 'follow through' and make it legally complete and effective, often culminating in the act of signing.
Word relationships
- Perform: To carry out, accomplish, or fulfill an action or duty.
- Implement: To put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect.
- Administer: To manage and be responsible for the running of (a business, organization, or institution).
- Neglect: To fail to properly care for something or someone.
- Abandon: To cease to support or look after (someone); to desert.
Commonly confused with
- Sign: 'Sign' is the act of writing one's name; 'execute' (in a legal sense) encompasses signing plus all other formalities required to make a document legally effective.
Word family
- execution (noun): the act of executing a plan, order, or legal document
- executive (noun): a person with managerial or administrative power
- executor (noun): a person appointed to carry out the terms of a will
Collocations
- execute a contract
- execute a will
- execute a plan
- execute an order
- duly executed
Example sentences
- "The parties met to execute the final version of the contract, ensuring all signatures were properly witnessed." Referring to signing a legal document.
- "The team worked diligently to execute the marketing strategy, launching the campaign on schedule." Describing the carrying out of a plan.
- "It is the executor's duty to execute the wishes outlined in the deceased's will." In a legal will context.
Memory hook
To EXECUTE a plan is to EX-actly CUTE (carry out) every step. EXECUTE: Carry out fully.
When not to use
While 'execute' can mean to kill, its legal and business meanings are distinct. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.
Fun facts
- The word 'sequence' also comes from the Latin sequi ('to follow'), highlighting the idea of following a logical order or progression.
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