Decapitate: meaning, definitions and examples

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decapitate

 

[ dɪˈkæpɪˌteɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

executing, removing head

To decapitate means to cut off the head of a person or animal. This act is often associated with execution or sacrifices in historical contexts. It can also be used metaphorically in various expressions.

Synonyms

behead, execute, kill, slay

Examples of usage

  • The historical records describe how rulers would decapitate traitors.
  • In the movie, the villain plans to decapitate anyone who opposes him.
  • The animal was decapitated swiftly for the sake of a traditional ritual.

Translations

Translations of the word "decapitate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decapitar

🇮🇳 सिर काटना

🇩🇪 enthaupten

🇮🇩 memenggal

🇺🇦 відсікати голову

🇵🇱 dekapitować

🇯🇵 首を切る

🇫🇷 décapiter

🇪🇸 decapitar

🇹🇷 başını kesmek

🇰🇷 목을 베다

🇸🇦 قطع الرأس

🇨🇿 dekapitovat

🇸🇰 dekapitovať

🇨🇳 斩首

🇸🇮 dekapitirati

🇮🇸 afhöfða

🇰🇿 басын кесу

🇬🇪 გახვრეტა

🇦🇿 baş kəsmək

🇲🇽 decapitar

Etymology

The word 'decapitate' originates from the Latin word 'decapitatio', which is derived from 'de-' meaning 'down from' and 'caput' meaning 'head'. The term has been used since the late Middle Ages to describe the action of beheading, especially in the context of legal punishments and executions. As societies developed and evolved, the term became prevalent in literature, often symbolizing the ultimate form of punishment. Throughout history, decapitation has been employed in various cultures as a method of execution, often associated with justice, power, and sometimes ritualistic aspects. The word has also found its place in modern vernacular, extending beyond literal meanings to encompass metaphorical uses in discussions about power dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,288, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.