decapitate

American  

[dih-kap-i-teyt] / dɪˈkæp ɪˌteɪt /

verb (used with object)

decapitated, decapitating

1. to cut off the head of; behead.

   Many people were decapitated during the French Revolution.

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decapitate British  

/ dɪˈkæpɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to behead

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Other Word Forms

• decapitation noun
• decapitator noun

Etymology

Origin of decapitate

1605–15; < Late Latin dēcapitātus, past participle of dēcapitāre, equivalent to dē- de- + capit- (stem of caput ) head + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The poor truck was rattling to the point I expected the hood to fly off and decapitate a couple of pine trees.

From Literature

Mr. Rubio said Sunday it was unrealistic to take more risks in the raid to decapitate more of the regime, which is fair enough.

From The Wall Street Journal

If the plotters had hoped to decapitate the Nazis, the attempt had the opposite effect: Hitler’s doctor recalled him saying over and over, “I am invulnerable. I am immortal,” according to Moorhouse.

From Washington Post

They say La Nina reduces wind shear that could decapitate storms.

From Washington Times

In a typical campaign, this is when the incumbent president would be trying to decapitate him with an advertising onslaught, but that’s not happening.

From New York Times