/ pəˈfɔːm; NAmE pərˈfɔːrm/ verb
1.
[ vn ] to do sth, such as a piece of work, task or duty
SYN carry out :
to perform an experiment / a miracle / a ceremony
She performs an important role in our organization.
This operation has never been performed in this country.
A computer can perform many tasks at once.
2.
to entertain an audience by playing a piece of music, acting in a play, etc. :
[ vn ]
to perform somersaults / magic tricks
The play was first performed in 1987.
I'd like to hear it performed live.
[ v ]
to perform on the flute
I'm looking forward to seeing you perform.
3.
[ v ] perform (well / badly / poorly) to work or function well or badly :
The engine seems to be performing well.
The company has been performing poorly over the past year.
•
IDIOMS
see miracle
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Anglo-Norman French parfourmer , alteration (by association with forme form) of Old French parfournir , from par through, to completion + fournir furnish, provide.