decapitate

[ dih-kap-i-teyt ]

verb (used with object)

, de·cap·i·tat·ed, de·cap·i·tat·ing.

1. to cut off the head of; behead:

   Many people were decapitated during the French Revolution.

decapitate

/ dɪˈkæpɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. tr to behead

Derived Forms

• deˈcapiˌtator, noun
• deˌcapiˈtation, noun

Other Words From

• de·capi·tation noun
• de·capi·tator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decapitate¹

1605–15; < Late Latin dēcapitātus, past participle of dēcapitāre, equivalent to dē- de- + capit- (stem of caput ) head + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of decapitate¹

C17: from Late Latin dēcapitāre, from Latin de- + caput head

Example Sentences

In late May, Lewellen began to contemplate a decapitating strike against the southern Albemarle’s revolutionary elite.

From Time

If an enemy of the United States wanted to decapitate America’s national security leadership, they could hardly do a better job of it than Sens.

From The Daily Beast

He goes down and then I’m swinging, chopping on his neck, almost decapitated him.

From Ozy

Many people have pointed out the contrast between the scene where John Walker brings down his shield on one of the Flag Smashers, decapitating him, and the scene where Steve looks like he’s about to do the same to Tony Stark.

From Time

One of the adults was decapitated in a single blow, the team found.

From Science News

They decapitate those men deemed foes of their faith and celebrate the gore online, holding up the severed heads.

From The Daily Beast

Maybe the Republicans will attempt to decapitate the federal government by leaving it without major cabinet officials.

From The Daily Beast

The plane stopped a good hundred meters from where we are standing but it looks like it is going to decapitate us.

From The Daily Beast

During the run-up to that war, the world was assured it would be a quick, painless fight intended only to decapitate the regime.

From The Daily Beast

Still in a dream, I stood at the back kitchen door and watched Dilsey decapitate the plumpest fowls the poultry yard boasted.

From Project Gutenberg

Behold in them the double-bladed axe with which you decapitate the white old man whom you enthrone among your painted clouds!

From Project Gutenberg

The black and white eunuchs keeping order in the streets decapitate without mercy every man who does not remain indoors.

From Project Gutenberg

When Ernest or Jack discovered one on their own persons at night they left no stone unturned to capture and decapitate it.

From Project Gutenberg

This last is a very unpleasant idea, and helps to decapitate three unoffending primroses.

From Project Gutenberg