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.

The ability to drop appendages is known as autotomy, or self-amputation.

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2022

If their democracy shall survive their own self-amputation, the lightness of their governmental burdens will stimulate the flow of mercy through their social institutions and direct their thoughts toward pity for the useless sacrifice.

From Rescuing the Czar Two authentic Diaries arranged and translated by Smythe, James P.

The trap, in this case should be attached to a spring-pole, page 145 as the muskrat is a wonderful adept at self-amputation, when its escape depends upon it.

From Camp Life in the Woods and the Tricks of Trapping and Trap Making by Gibson, William Hamilton

It is a fine sort of fame that is won by self-amputation from life, so as to be unlike other men!

From Jean-Christophe Journey's End by Cannan, Gilbert