[per.form] vb [ME, fr. AF performer, alter. of OF perfournir, fr. per- thoroughly (fr. L) + fournir to complete--more at furnish] vt (14c) 1: to adhere to the terms of: fulfill "~ a contract"
2: carry out, do 3 a: to do in a formal manner or according to prescribed ritual b: to give a rendition of: present ~ vi 1: to carry out an action or pattern of behavior: act, function
2: to give a performance: play -- per.form.abil.i.ty n -- per.form.able adj -- per.form.er n syn perform, execute, discharge, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill mean to carry out or into effect. perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill "performed gymnastics". execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent "executed the hit-and-run". discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks "discharged his duties". accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out "accomplished everything they set out to do". achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties "achieve greatness". effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles "effected sweeping reforms". fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities "fulfilled their ambitions".