behead

[ bih-hed ]

verb (used with object)

1. to cut off the head of; kill or execute by decapitation.
2. Geology. (of a pirate stream) to divert the headwaters of (a river, stream, etc.).

behead

/ bɪˈhɛd /

verb

1. tr to remove the head from; decapitate

Other Words From

• be·headal noun
• be·header noun
• unbe·headed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of behead¹

before 1000; Middle English behe ( f ) den, beheveden, Old English behēafdian. See be-, head

Word History and Origins

Origin of behead¹

Old English behēafdian , from be- + heafod head ; related to Middle High German behoubeten

Example Sentences

The former headteacher of a French school has revealed the shocking sequence of events that led to the beheading of Samuel Paty by a Chechen refugee.

From BBC

A mayor of another large city beheaded after he dared to call for peace.

From Los Angeles Times

Eight people have gone on trial in Paris accused of encouraging the killer of Samuel Paty, the teacher who was beheaded on the street outside his school four years ago.

From BBC

The father-of-two was beheaded in 2014 after being held by a terrorist cell dubbed "The Beatles" because of their English accents.

From BBC

The drawing - which depicted the King beheaded alongside his crown - was shared by a staff member without her knowledge, the senator said.

From BBC

Related Words

• decapitate
• execute