Decapitation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Decapitation is the act of cutting off someone’s head, typically as a form of execution or in violent conflict. It results in immediate death due to severe trauma.
Definition:
The act of cutting off the head, typically as a form of execution or in warfare.
Synonyms:
beheading, execution, guillotining
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
preservation, restoration
Common Collocations:
public decapitation, ritual decapitation, decapitation strike
Derivatives:
decapitate, decapitated, decapitator
Usage Tips:
Use "decapitation" to describe the removal of a head, often in historical or violent contexts; avoid casual usage.
Common Phrases:
"decapitation strike, " "ritual decapitation, " "symbolic decapitation"
Etymology:
From Latin "decapitare," meaning "to cut off the head," from "de-" (off) + "caput" (head).
Examples:
- 1. The medieval execution involved public decapitation as a warning.
- 2. Decapitation was a common punishment in ancient civilizations for treason.
- 3. The horror movie featured a scene of gruesome decapitation by a masked killer.
- 4. Military strategists sometimes target leaders in a decapitation strike to cripple enemy forces.