Decapitate

Pronunciation: /dɪˈkæpɪˌteɪt/

Definitions of decapitate

verb to cut off the head of; behead

Example Sentences

A1 The executioner decapitated the criminal with one swift stroke.

A2 In some ancient cultures, decapitation was a common form of punishment for serious crimes.

B1 The guillotine was often used during the French Revolution to decapitate those deemed enemies of the state.

B2 The samurai warrior demonstrated his skill by decapitating his opponent in a single fluid motion.

C1 The serial killer's signature method was to decapitate his victims before leaving their bodies in public places.

C2 The executioner decapitated the condemned prisoner with precision and efficiency, causing a gasp from the onlookers.

Examples of decapitate in a Sentence

formal The executioner decapitated the criminal with a single swift stroke of the sword.

informal I can't believe they decapitated the main character in that show!

slang If you mess with him, he'll decapitate you, no questions asked.

figurative The new policy effectively decapitated the power of the board members.

Grammatical Forms of decapitate

• past tense: decapitated
• plural: decapitates
• comparative: more decapitated
• superlative: most decapitated
• present tense: decapitates
• future tense: will decapitate
• perfect tense: has decapitated
• continuous tense: is decapitating
• singular: decapitate
• positive degree: decapitate
• infinitive: decapitate
• gerund: decapitating
• participle: decapitating

Origin and Evolution of decapitate

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'decapitate' originated from the Latin word 'decapitare', which is derived from the combination of 'de-' (down) and 'caput' (head).

Evolution of the word: Originally used to specifically refer to the act of cutting off someone's head, 'decapitate' has evolved to also include the removal of the head of animals or figurative meanings such as dismantling a leadership structure.