perform Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb carry out or perform an action
    do; execute.
    • John did the painting, the weeding, and he cleaned out the gutters
    • the skater executed a triple pirouette
    • she did a little dance
  2. verb perform a function
    • Who will perform the wedding?
  3. verb give a performance (of something)
    • Horowitz is performing at Carnegie Hall tonight
    • We performed a popular Gilbert and Sullivan opera
  4. verb get (something) done
    do.
    • I did my job

WordNet

Per*form" transitive verb
Etymology
OE. performen, parfourmen, parfournen, OF. parfornir, parfournir, to finish, complete; OF. & F. par (see Par) + fournir to finish, complete. The word has been influenced by form; cf. L. performare to form thoroughly. See Furnish.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Performed ; present participle & verbal noun Performing
Definitions
  1. To carry through; to bring to completion; to achieve; to accomplish; to execute; to do.
    I will cry unto God most high, unto God that performeth all things for me. Ps. lvii. 2.
    Great force to perform what they did attempt. Sir P. Sidney.
  2. To discharge; to fulfill; to act up to; as, to perform a duty; to perform a promise or a vow.
    To perform your father's will. Shak.
  3. To represent; to act; to play; as in drama.
    Perform a part thou hast not done before. Shak.
    Syn. -- To accomplish; do; act; transact; achieve; execute; discharge; fulfill; effect; complete; consummate. See Accomplish.
Per*form" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To do, execute, or accomplish something; to acquit one's self in any business; esp., to represent sometimes by action; to act a part; to play on a musical instrument; as, the players perform poorly; the musician performs on the organ.

Webster 1913