decapitate
Decapitate (verb) means to cut off someone's head. Example: “The statue had been decapitated by vandals.”
How to use decapitate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo behead someone or something, literally or (figuratively) to remove an organisation's leaders.
Word forms
decapitated past tense, decapitates singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The statue had been _____ by vandals.
Etymology
From Late Latin dēcapitāre, literally "to de-head" — dē- ("off") + caput ("head").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for decapitate
See all rhymes for decapitate →Frequently asked questions
What does “decapitate” mean?
The word “decapitate” means to cut off someone's head. In plain terms, to behead someone or something, literally or (figuratively) to remove an organisation's leaders.
How do you pronounce “decapitate”?
“Decapitate” is pronounced dih-KAP-iht-ayt (/diˈkæp.ə.teɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “decapitate” in a sentence?
Here is “decapitate” used in a sentence: “The statue had been decapitated by vandals.”
What is another word for “decapitate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “decapitate” include behead and decollate.
What is the opposite of “decapitate”?
The opposite of “decapitate” — its antonyms — is recapitate.
What part of speech is “decapitate”?
“Decapitate” is a verb.
Where does the word “decapitate” come from?
The word “decapitate” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin dēcapitāre, literally "to de-head" — dē- ("off") + caput ("head").
How many meanings does “decapitate” have?
“Decapitate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cut off someone's head.