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Definition of executioner

executioner

/ˌɛksɪˈkjuːʃənər/
ex · e · cu · tion · er
Plural:executioners
•
Adjective:executionary
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executioner Lexical Profile

executioner Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An official appointed by a state or governing authority to carry out a sentence of capital punishment upon a condemned person.

Example

"In medieval historical dramas, the royal executioner is often depicted wearing a dark hood to conceal his identity."

2

A person or force that ruthlessly puts an end to something or decisively defeats an opponent.

Example

"The star striker acted as the team's clinical executioner, scoring three goals in the final ten minutes to eliminate the defending champions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for executioner

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse with 'executor', which in modern usage refers specifically to a person appointed to carry out the terms of a legal will.

• Rhymes for executioner

• Nearby Words

executable
execute
execution
executioner
executive
executively
executor

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 15th century, formed in English from 'execution' plus the agent suffix '-er', ultimately tracing back to Latin 'exsequi' meaning 'to follow out' or 'carry out'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Executioner. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/executioner
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