behead
Americanverb (used with object)
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to cut off the head of; kill or execute by decapitation.
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Geology. (of a pirate stream) to divert the headwaters of (a river, stream, etc.).
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of behead
before 1000; Middle English behe ( f ) den, beheveden, Old English behēafdian. See be-, head
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Behead the name of a vessel, and leave a narrow passage.
From St. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 4, February 1878 by Various
Behead a sharp-pointed weapon, and leave a fruit.
From St. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 4, February 1878 by Various
Behead me and I am not in time.
From Little Folks (Septemeber 1884) A Magazine for the Young by Various
Behead an article of food, and leave a kind of tree.
From St. Nicholas Magazine for Boys and Girls, Vol. 5, May, 1878, No. 7. Scribner's Illustrated by Dodge, Mary Mapes
Behead a table utensil, and leave a bird.
From St. Nicholas Magazine for Boys and Girls, Vol. 5, May, 1878, No. 7. Scribner's Illustrated by Dodge, Mary Mapes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
