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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Perform

Per-fōrm', v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. PERFORMED; p. pr. & vb. n. PERFORMING.] [O. Eng. performe, par-forme, parfourme, parfournen, O. Fr. parformer, parformir, parfournir, to finish, complete; Fr. par, through, and fournir, to furnish, complete. Cf. Lat. performare, to form thoroughly, O. Fr. performer, to form, finish. See FURNISH.]

Sense 1. To carry through; to bring to completion; to achieve; to accomplish; to execute; to do.

What in an age they with incessant toil And hands innumerable scarce perform. Milton.

Sense 2. To execute; to discharge; to fulfill; as, to perform a duty or office; to perform a covenant, promise, or contract; to perform a vow.

The parching air Burns frore, and cold performs the effect of fire. Milton.

Synonyms—To accomplish; do; act; transact; achieve; execute; discharge; fulfill; effect; complete. See ACCOMPLISH.

Per-fôrm', v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To act a part; to acquit one's self in any work; especially, to play upon a musical instrument, to go through with a public part, as in a drama, pantomime, or other exhibition of skill and capacity; as, the player performs well in different characters; the musician performs well on the organ.