Beheader: meaning, definitions and examples

A person or instrument explicitly used for the act of removing heads, typically in historical or violent contexts.

• The legend spoke of a fearsome beheader who haunted the old village.
• In medieval times, the beheader's sword gleamed in the sunlight before the execution.

A person officially tasked with carrying out death sentences, particularly in legal or judicial settings.

• The executioner stood ready to fulfill his duty as the clock struck midnight.
• She trembled as the executioner approached, his axe gleaming in the torchlight.

Similar to beheader, this term is often used in a more clinical or less personal manner, mostly in reference to the act of decapitation.

• The Roman wars created many infamous decapitators among the soldiers.
• The execution device was a mechanical decapitator used during the revolution.

An older term that could be used similarly to executioner but often refers to someone in charge of a group, village, or tribe, depending on the historical or cultural context.

• The headman of the tribe made a difficult decision to lead his people away from the drought-stricken land.
• In medieval courts, the headman was sometimes responsible for carrying out capital punishments.

Used to describe someone who decapitates, often in historical or execution contexts.

• The executioner, known as the beheader, was feared by many.
• In medieval times, a beheader was responsible for carrying out death sentences.

In modern times, it usually refers to a recruiter who seeks out skilled employees for companies. Historically, it referred to someone who collects human heads as trophies, often in a tribal or ritual context.

• The company hired a headhunter to find the best candidates for the job.
• In some cultures, headhunters were feared warriors who collected heads as prizes.

This term can be used to describe a villainous character known for beheading their victims. It has a very negative connotation.

• The beheading villain left a trail of terror across the land.
• In the horror story, the beheading villain was the cause of many gruesome deaths.