executioner
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˌɛksəˈkjuːʃənə//
- United States//ˌɛksəˈkjuʃənɚ//
An official person who carries out the capital punishment of a criminal.
noun
- 1
An official person who carries out the capital punishment of a criminal.
He would probably have died by the hand of the executioner, if indeed the executioner had not been anticipated by the populace.
Underpinning that power was a reign of terror the like of which Chechens had not seen since the days of Stalin. Even the Russian contraktniki, or freelance fighters, were not as feared as Mr Kadyrov's private army of kidnappers, torturers and executioners were.
- 2
archaicExecutor.
- 3
A hit man, especially being in some organization.
Etymology
Etymology tree English execution Proto-Indo-European *-yósder. Proto-Italic *-āzios Latin -āriusnom. Latin -āriusbor. Proto-Germanic *-ārijaz Proto-West Germanic *-ārī Old English -ere Middle English -ere English -er English executioner From execution + -er.
Forms
- plural
- executioners
executioner · An official person who carries out the capital punishment of a criminal.
executive · Designed or fitted for execution, or carrying into effect.exemplary · Deserving honour, respect and admiration.exercise · Any activity designed to develop or hone a skill or ability.