perform

—performable, adj. —performer, n.

/peuhr fawrm"/, v.t.

1. to carry out; execute; do: to perform miracles.

2. to go through or execute in the proper, customary, or established manner: to perform the marriage ceremony.

3. to carry into effect; fulfill: Perform what you promise.

4. to act (a play, part, etc.), as on the stage, in movies, or on television.

5. to render (music), as by playing or singing.

6. to accomplish (any action involving skill or ability), as before an audience: to perform a juggling act.

7. to complete.

v.i.

8. to fulfill a command, promise, or undertaking.

9. to execute or do something.

10. to act in a play: to perform in the role of Romeo.

11. to perform music.

12. to go through any performance.

13. (of loans, investments, etc.) to yield a profit; earn income.

[1250-1300; ME parformen < AF parformer, alter. (by assoc. with forme FORM) of MF, OF parfournir to accomplish. See PER-, FURNISH]

Syn. 1. PERFORM, DISCHARGE, EXECUTE, TRANSACT mean to carry to completion a prescribed course of action. PERFORM is the general word, often applied to ordinary activity as a more formal expression than DO, but usually implying regular, methodical, or prolonged application or work: to perform an exacting task. DISCHARGE implies carrying out an obligation, often a formal or legal one: to discharge one's duties as a citizen. EXECUTE means either to carry out an order or to carry through a plan or program: to execute a maneuver. TRANSACT, meaning to conduct or manage, has commercial connotations: to transact business. 3. accomplish, achieve, effect.

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