Beheaded: meaning, definitions and examples

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beheaded

 

[ bɪˈhɛdɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

execution method

To beheaded is to undergo the act of beheading, which involves removing the head from the body, typically performed as a form of capital punishment. This ghastly act has historical significance, often associated with monarchies and legal executions in various cultures. In contemporary usage, the term may also refer to metaphorical expressions where someone is deprived of power or leadership, essentially rendering them powerless.

Synonyms

decapitate, execute, kill

Examples of usage

  • The knight was beheaded for treason.
  • The movie depicted the brutal beheading of the captured soldiers.
  • In ancient times, beheading was a common punishment for severe crimes.
  • He felt as if he had been beheaded after losing his job.

Translations

Translations of the word "beheaded" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decapitado

🇮🇳 सिर काटा हुआ

🇩🇪 enthauptet

🇮🇩 dipenggal

🇺🇦 відрубаний

🇵🇱 ścięty

🇯🇵 首を切られた

🇫🇷 décapité

🇪🇸 decapitado

🇹🇷 başsız

🇰🇷 목이 베인

🇸🇦 مُقطوع الرأس

🇨🇿 sťatý

🇸🇰 sťatý

🇨🇳 被斩首

🇸🇮 obglavljen

🇮🇸 höggvinn

🇰🇿 басынан айырылған

🇬🇪 თავგატეხილი

🇦🇿 başsız

🇲🇽 decapitado

Word origin

The term 'beheaded' derives from the Old English word 'beheafdian', which is a combination of 'be-' (a prefix indicating about or around) and 'heafod', meaning 'head'. The act of beheading has been recorded in various cultures throughout history, often associated with executions in royal courts or as a punishment for treason. This method was seen as a more honorable way to die compared to other brutal punishments of the time, and was frequently utilized in England, France, and other European countries during the medieval era. Over the centuries, the word has evolved but has retained its grim connotation, often being featured in literature and historical texts as a symbol of harsh justice or tyranny.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,302, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.