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Decapitating: meaning, definitions and examples

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decapitating

 

[ dɪˈkæpɪteɪtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

action, execution

Decapitating refers to the act of cutting off the head of a person or an animal. This action is historically associated with executions, punishment for crimes, and certain ritualistic practices. It can also be used metaphorically in literature and discussions to describe the removal of leadership or authority. The term carries a significant weight due to its association with violence and finality. Overall, decapitating is often viewed as a gruesome and severe action.

Synonyms

beheading, executing, truncating

Examples of usage

  • The executioner was skilled at decapitating condemned prisoners quickly.
  • In historical battles, decapitating the enemy leader was seen as a victory.
  • The film featured a scene that involved decapitating a monster as an act of bravery.

Translations

Translations of the word "decapitating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 decapitando

🇮🇳 सिर काटना

🇩🇪 enthauptend

🇮🇩 memenggal

🇺🇦 відрубування голови

🇵🇱 dekapitacja

🇯🇵 首を切ること

🇫🇷 décapitation

🇪🇸 decapitación

🇹🇷 baş kesme

🇰🇷 목을 베다

🇸🇦 قطع الرأس

🇨🇿 snížení hlavy

🇸🇰 sťatie hlavy

🇨🇳 斩首

🇸🇮 obglavljanje

🇮🇸 afhöggun

🇰🇿 басын кесу

🇬🇪 თავის მოჭრა

🇦🇿 baş kəsmə

🇲🇽 decapitación

Etymology

The word 'decapitate' originates from the Latin term 'decapitare', which is a combination of 'de-' (meaning 'from or down from') and 'caput' (meaning 'head'). The concept of decapitation has been present in various cultures throughout history, often used as a form of capital punishment, particularly during the medieval ages. Execution methods varied across regions, but decapitation was frequently considered a noble death, reserved for those of higher status or as a means to achieve swift death. The term has been used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in literature and discourse, reflecting its enduring presence in human culture and language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,517, 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.