Done - to death? (8)

I believe the answer is:

executed

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'done' is the definition.
('execute' can be a synonym of 'do')

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for executed that I've seen before include "Carried out the task or put to death" , "Put a plan into effect" , "Produced" , "Performed" , "Done (to death?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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