execute
Definitions
To carry out or perform a task, plan, or order
执行，实施（任务、计划、命令）
To put someone to death as a legal punishment
处决，将……处死
To run a computer program or instruction
（计算机）运行，执行（程序）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedex- (out, to the end) + secut (follow) = to 'follow a task all the way out' to completion. Built on the secut- stem, not sequ-. Its darkest sense comes from the same image: when what is followed to the very end is a death sentence, to execute is to put to death.
Root sequ still carries 21 more wordsWhy It Means This
The leap from 'carry out a plan' to 'put to death' surprises learners, but both ride the same metaphor: following something all the way to its end. You execute a project by seeing it through; you execute a prisoner by carrying a sentence through to its final point. The computing sense (execute code) simply revives the original 'carry out the instructions' meaning.
Common Collocations
- 1.execute a plan执行计划
- 2.execute an order执行命令
- 3.execute a prisoner处决囚犯
- 4.execute a program运行程序
Example Sentences
- 1.
The team executed the plan flawlessly under pressure.
- 2.
The prisoner was executed at dawn.
- 3.
The program executes these commands one line at a time.