execute

verb

1. (transitive)To kill, especially as punishment for a capital crime.

   “There are certain states where it is lawful to execute prisoners convicted of certain crimes.”

   “According to international treaties, it is illegal to execute prisoners of war.”

   “Was not thy Father, Richard, Earle of Cambridge, / For Treaſon executed in our late Kings dayes?”

2. (transitive)To carry out; to put into effect.

   “Your orders have been executed, sir!”

   “I'll execute your orders as soon as this meeting is adjourned.”

   “Why delays / His hand to execute what his decree / Fixed on this day?”

3. (transitive)To perform.

   “to execute a difficult piece of music brilliantly”

   “to execute a turn in ballet”

   “Affinity groups will plan and execute nonviolent actions to both symbolically and directly challenge weapons development.”

4. (transitive)To carry out, to perform an act; to put into effect or cause to become legally binding or valid (as a contract) by so doing.

   “to execute a contract”

5. (transitive)To start, launch, or run.

   “to execute a program”

6. (intransitive)To run, usually successfully.

   “The program executed, but data problems were discovered.”