Execution Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚔️
execution
[ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃ(ə)n ]
Definitions
legal
The act of carrying out or putting into effect a plan, order, or course of action.
Synonyms
enforcement, implementation, performance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| execution |
This word is commonly used in legal or official contexts, especially concerning carrying out a death sentence or a complex task or plan.
|
| implementation |
This term is used in business, technology, and project management contexts to describe putting a plan, decision, or system into effect.
|
| enforcement |
Often used in legal and regulatory contexts, it refers to ensuring compliance with laws, rules, or regulations.
|
| performance |
A general term used to describe how well someone or something completes a task or activity. It is often used in work, sports, and arts contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The execution of the contract was completed on time.
- The execution of the criminal took place at dawn.
- The execution of the project required meticulous planning.
computing
The process of running a program or instruction.
Synonyms
implementation, operation, running.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| execution |
This term is often used in legal or formal contexts, such as the carrying out of a legal sentence or a planned project. It may also indicate the act of killing someone as a punishment, which has a negative connotation.
|
| implementation |
Use this term when talking about the process of putting a plan, decision, or law into effect. It often appears in business, tech, and policy contexts.
|
| running |
This term is frequently used to describe the everyday management or functioning of an activity, business, or system. It highlights continuous action over time.
|
| operation |
This word is versatile and can be used in various contexts such as the functioning of a machine, a business, or a surgical procedure. It often indicates ongoing activities or functions.
|
Examples of usage
- The execution of the code resulted in an error.
- The program's execution was halted due to a bug.
business
The act of carrying out a task or assignment.
Synonyms
accomplishment, implementation, performance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| execution |
Use this word when discussing the carrying out of a plan, order, or course of action. It can also refer to the act of punishing someone, usually by death, though this has a negative and severe connotation.
|
| implementation |
Use this when discussing the process of putting a decision, plan, or agreement into effect.
|
| accomplishment |
This word is best used when referring to something successfully completed or achieved, often implying a sense of pride and success.
|
| performance |
This word is suitable for discussing how well someone does a task or activity. It can also refer to an entertainment show.
|
Examples of usage
- The execution of the marketing strategy was successful.
- The team's execution of the project was commendable.
military
The carrying out of a military action such as a planned attack.
Synonyms
conduct, implementation, operation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| execution |
Use this term when referring to the process of carrying out a planned action or task, especially in a formal or technical context.
|
| implementation |
This term is best used when referring to the process of putting a plan, decision, or agreement into effect.
|
| operation |
Operation refers to the functioning or running of a process, system, or organization.
|
| conduct |
This term is often used when describing the manner in which an activity or an operation is carried out, focusing on the behavior or actions of those involved.
|
Examples of usage
- The execution of the battle plan was flawless.
- The swift execution of the operation surprised the enemy.
general
To carry out or put into effect a plan, order, or course of action.
Synonyms
carry out, implement, perform.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| execution |
Often used in formal or legal contexts, referring to the act of putting a plan, order, or law into effect. It can also refer to the carrying out of a death sentence, which has a negative connotation.
|
| implement |
Used in formal or business contexts, generally meaning to put a plan, decision, or agreement into effect. It often suggests a structured or methodical approach.
|
| perform |
Used in various contexts including business, entertainment, or technical tasks, often meaning to carry out a specific action, task or duty. It can also imply a sense of skill or competence in the action being described.
|
| carry out |
Used in both formal and informal contexts to mean doing something that has been planned or ordered. It stresses the action or completion of a task or plan.
|
Examples of usage
- The company will execute the new marketing strategy next month.
- The government executed the changes to the policy.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- In modern legal systems, execution refers primarily to capital punishment, but also includes the implementation of legal documents.
- The methods of execution have varied throughout history, ranging from hanging to lethal injection.
- Debates surrounding execution often focus on ethical implications and the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent for crime.
Technology
- In the world of computing, execution refers to the process by which a computer carries out a specific set of instructions given by a program.
- This concept is essential in programming, where efficient execution can affect how fast a software runs.
- Mobile devices use a simplified execution process to conserve battery life while still providing functional applications.
Arts
- Execution in the arts can refer to how a performer interprets and delivers a piece of music or a script, emphasizing skill and style.
- Artists often discuss execution related to the technique used to create sculptures, paintings, and other works, focusing on precision and creativity.
- In dance, execution signifies how well dancers display the choreography and express the emotions of the piece.
Military
- Historically, execution refers to the rigorous carrying out of orders in military operations, crucial for strategic success.
- The phrase 'execute a maneuver' in military lingo denotes carrying out a planned tactical action effectively.
- Military leaders often study execution as a crucial element of command, where the success of the mission relies on precise implementation.
Origin of 'execution'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'executio', which means 'to follow through with' or 'to carry out'.
- It has roots in the medieval Latin term 'executio', showing the importance of completing tasks in society from ancient times.
- In legal terms, the word has evolved to describe the carrying out of death sentences in many jurisdictions.
The word 'execution' originated from Middle English and Old French, ultimately derived from Latin 'executio' meaning 'a carrying out'. The term has been used in various contexts including law, computing, business, and military. It signifies the act of putting plans into action or carrying out a task. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, reflecting the diverse applications of executing tasks or actions.
See also: executability, executable, executing, executioner, executions, executive, executively, executives, executor, executors.