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
1
To cut off someone's head, typically as an execution.
"The king ordered the traitor to be beheaded."
How to use behead
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cut off someone's head.
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- beheads
- Past tense
- beheaded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The king ordered the traitor to be _____.
Etymology
From Old English behēafdian, built from be- plus "head," meaning literally to remove the head.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for behead
See all rhymes for behead →Frequently asked questions
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.
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