ˌeksəˈkyüshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English execucioun, from Middle French execution, from Latin execution-, exsecution-, executio, exsecutio, from executus, exsecutus (past participle of exequi, exsequi to execute, from ex- ex- (I) + sequi to follow) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at sue
1. : the act or process of executing : performance , accomplishment
there was nothing to prevent the execution of his purpose
put a new plan into execution
2.
a. archaic : a punishment ordered legally
b. : a putting to death as a legal penalty : capital punishment
3.
a. : the process for carrying into effect the judgment or decree of a court ; especially : the enforcement of such judgment or decree by arrest of the person or seizure of the property of a debtor
b. : a judicial writ by which an officer is empowered to carry a judgment into effect — called also final process
c. : the act of signing, sealing, and delivering a legal instrument or giving it the forms required to make it valid
the execution of a deed
the execution of a will
4. : the act or mode or result of performance in any of the arts or in anything that requires a special skill or technique
execution of a carving
execution of a violin solo
the fineness of execution of the iron balcony and of the railing — American Guide Series: New York City
5. : effective or destructive action — used usually with do
as soon as day came, we went out to see what execution we had done — Daniel Defoe
6. archaic : the military act of plundering