execution

Universal Words noun 1 [U,C] the act of killing sb, especially as a legal punishment: He faced execution by hanging for murder. * Over 200 executions were carried out last year. 2 [U] (formal) the act of doing a piece of work, performing a duty, or putting a plan into action: He had failed in the execution of his duty. * The idea was good, but the execution was poor. * The company is liable for any damage caused by faulty execution of the building work. 3 [U] (formal) skill in performing or making sth, such as a piece of music or work of art: Her execution of the piano piece was perfect. 4 [U] (law) the act of following the instructions in a legal document, especially those in sb's WILL: The solicitors are proceeding with the execution of her mother's will. IDIOMS see STAYn.