Definition of execute

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ex·e·cute    (ks-kyt) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
ex·e·cut·ed, ex·e·cut·ing, ex·e·cutes

1. To put into effect; carry out: a government that executes the decisions of the ruling party.
2. To perform; do: execute a U-turn. See Synonyms at perform.
3. To create (a work of art, for example) in accordance with a prescribed design.
4. To make valid, as by signing: execute a deed.
5. To perform or carry out what is required by: execute the terms of a will.
6. To put to death, especially by carrying out a lawful sentence.
7. Computer Science To run (a program or an instruction).

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English executen, from Old French executer, from Medieval Latin exectre, from Latin exector, executor, from exectus, past participle of exequ, exsequ, to pursue, carry out : ex-, ex- + sequ, to follow; see sek^w-¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
exe·cuta·ble(Adjective), exe·cuter(Noun)