Decapitate

usgb/dɪˈkæpɪteɪt/
verb

To cut off the head of a person or animal.

In the past, criminals were often decapitated as a form of punishment.
Visual representation of "decapitate" - To cut off the head of a person or animal.

Often appears as...

  • decapitated by the executioner
  • decapitate the chicken
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "decapitate"
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Violent Act

The term is often associated with violent historical methods of punishment.

Illustration for Violent Act
Medieval tales often describe knights being decapitated in battle.
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Shocking Imagery

The word evokes strong, gory images; use it carefully to avoid distress.

Illustration for Shocking Imagery
The horror movie depicted a villain decapitating his foes.
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Rarely Literal

Today, it's more common in figurative language, except in specific contexts.

Illustration for Rarely Literal
The novel metaphorically described the king's fall as a decapitation.
Visual representation of the word "Decapitate"

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