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.
