verb

behead

bih-HEHD

Behead (verb) means to cut off someone's head, typically as an execution. Example: “The king ordered the traitor to be beheaded.”

verb

To cut off someone's head, typically as an execution.

"The king ordered the traitor to be beheaded."

How to use behead

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo cut off someone's head.

beheaded past tense, beheads singular

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The king ordered the traitor to be _____.

From Old English behēafdian, built from be- plus "head," meaning literally to remove the head.

Origin: Old English

decapitate decollate

decapitate decollate

head read lead dead bead mead bread plead tread ahead dread knead

What does “behead” mean?

The word “behead” means to cut off someone's head, typically as an execution. In plain terms, to cut off someone's head.

How do you pronounce “behead”?

“Behead” is pronounced bih-HEHD (/bɪˈhɛd/ in IPA).

How do you use “behead” in a sentence?

Here is “behead” used in a sentence: “The king ordered the traitor to be beheaded.”

What part of speech is “behead”?

“Behead” is a verb.

Where does the word “behead” come from?

The word “behead” comes from Old English. From Old English behēafdian, built from be- plus "head," meaning literally to remove the head.

Vocabulary lists that include behead:

decapitate decollate