perform

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   give a performance (of something)

   Horowitz is performing at Carnegie Hall tonight

2. 2
   verb

   perform a function

   Who will perform the wedding?

3. 3
   verb

   To do (something); to execute.

   The scientists performed several experiments.

4. 4
   verb

   To exhibit an expected pattern of behavior; to function; to work.

   The new employee performs well.

5. 5
   verb

   To act in a way set forth in a contract.

   Failure to perform a contract on time may constitute a breach of contract.

6. 6
   verb

   To do (something) in front of an audience, such as acting or music, often in order to entertain.

   She will perform in the play.

7. 7
   verb

   To behave theatrically so as to give the impression of (a quality, character trait, etc.); to feign.

   The accused only performed remorse.

8. 8
   verb

   Of a social actor, to behave in certain ways.

   perform masculinity

Etymology

From Middle English parformen, performen (“to perform”), from Anglo-Norman performer, parfourmer, alteration of Old French parfornir, parfurnir (“to complete, accomplish, perform”), from par- + fornir, furnir (“to accomplish, furnish”), from Frankish *frummjan (“to accomplish, furnish”), from Proto-Germanic *frumjaną, *framjaną (“to further, promote”), from Proto-Indo-European *promo- (“in front, forth”), *per- (“forward, out”). Cognate with Old High German frummen (“to do, execute, accomplish, provide”), Old Saxon frummian (“to perform, promote”), Old English fremman (“to perform, execute, ca…