amputate

[am-pyoo-teyt]

verb (used with object)

amputated, amputating 

1. to cut off (all or part of a limb or digit of the body), as by surgery.

2. to prune, lop off, or remove.

   Because of space limitations the editor amputated the last two paragraphs of the news report.

3. Obsolete.,  to prune, as branches of trees.

amputate

/ ˈæmpjʊˌteɪt /

verb

1. surgery to remove (all or part of a limb, esp an arm or leg)

Other Word Forms

• amputation noun
• amputative adjective
• amputator noun
• nonamputation noun
• postamputation adjective
• self-amputation noun
• unamputated adjective
• unamputative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of amputate¹

1630–40; < Latin amputātus pruned, trimmed (past participle of amputāre ), equivalent to am ( bi ) around ( ambi- ) + put- trim + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of amputate¹

C17: from Latin amputāre, from am- around + putāre to trim, prune

Example Sentences

Recently, he had his own health crisis, having his right leg amputated after complications with diabetes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A diabetic man who had his leg amputated expressed deep grief over the loss and shame at “becoming a burden,” feeling dependent on his mother and sister.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"That means that limbs have to be amputated. I would say it's a glimpse into the future, but it's happening right now, it's a pretty horrific thought."

Read more on BBC

Following a serious injury and life-threatening sepsis, she had her leg amputated and now uses a wheelchair.

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Jackson was hit by friendly fire during the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1893 and had his arm amputated before he died.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cut away www.thesaurus.com
• cut off 
• sever