exécuter

Exécuter is a French verb that denotes carrying out or performing an action. It covers a broad range of meanings, from running a computer program to fulfilling a contract, and historically also to carrying out a punishment. In everyday usage it often means to accomplish or implement something that has been planned or commanded.

Etymology: The verb comes from Latin exsecutus, formed from ex- “out” and sequi “to follow,” and entered Old French as exécuter before the modern spelling. The sense broadens from following through a plan to putting it into effect.

Conjugation: Exécuter is a regular -er verb with standard endings, though its spelling reflects its accent. Present tense forms include: j'exécute, tu exécutes, il exécute, nous exécutons, vous exécutez, ils exécutent. Imperfect: j'exécutais, tu exécutais, il exécutait, nous exécutions, vous exécutiez, ils exécutaient. Past participle: exécuté. The future and conditional are formed with the infinitive exécuter plus the usual endings (for example, j'exécuterai, j'exécuterais).

Usage notes: In computing, exécuter a program means to run it. In legal and administrative language, it can mean to perform or implement an instrument such as a contract, will, or judgment. In historical or criminal contexts, exécuter can also mean to carry out a death sentence or punishment. The related noun exécution denotes the act itself, while exécuteur or exécutant refers to the person who carries it out. Common synonyms include accomplir, réaliser, mettre à exécution.