behead
verb (used with object)
to cut off the head of; kill or execute by decapitation.
beheading
-
present participleof behead.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
I haven’t watched the series, so I didn’t understand why we were beheading a stuffed bear, but families seemed thrilled to explore the venue, including petting Uncle Fester’s Chupacabra.
From Barron's ● Dec. 20, 2025
Osbourne retells the infamous story of orally beheading an unsuspecting bat.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2025
The letters date from 1578 to 1584, a few years before Mary's beheading 436 years ago - on 8 February, 1587.
From BBC ● Feb. 8, 2023
Halimi had pointed out, in court and in the media, that until 1943 a woman could, by law, have faced beheading by guillotine for having an abortion, such was the stigma around it.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 11, 2022
“So that’s why you’re putting it on,” said Harry, accidentally beheading a dead caterpillar because his hand was shaking in anger.
From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling
