behead

[bih-hed]

verb (used with object)

1. to cut off the head of; kill or execute by decapitation.

2. Geology.,  (of a pirate stream) to divert the headwaters of (a river, stream, etc.).

behead

/ bɪˈhɛd /

verb

1. (tr) to remove the head from; decapitate

Other Word Forms

• beheadal noun
• beheader noun
• unbeheaded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of behead¹

before 1000; Middle English behe ( f ) den, beheveden, Old English behēafdian. See be-, head

Word History and Origins

Origin of behead¹

Old English behēafdian , from _be- + heafod _head ; related to Middle High German behoubeten

Example Sentences

Since then, foreign ministries on both sides have lodged serious protests with the other, and a Chinese diplomat made what some interpreted as a threat to behead Takaichi.

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I am where I want to be—on a boat that will beheading be heading for The United States of America.

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When challenged about IS atrocities including beheadings, he says a lot of "unfortunate" things happened.

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The militants attracted hundreds of foreign fighters and became known for public beheadings and the enslavement of women.

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Earlier this year Gen Kainerugaba threatened to behead the opposition leader, though he later deleted the "joke" tweet and apologised.

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Related Words

• decapitate 
• execute