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Definition of decapitate

decapitate

/dɪˈkæp.ɪ.teɪt/
de · cap · i · tate
Adjective:decapitated
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Past Simple:decapitated
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Past Participle:decapitated
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Present Participle:decapitating
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decapitate Lexical Profile

decapitate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cut off the head of a person or animal, or the top section of a statue, plant, or object.

Example

"Vandals entered the museum garden overnight to decapitate several ancient marble statues."

2

To cripple or disable an organization, government, or movement by removing or neutralizing its top leadership.

Example

"The sudden resignation of the entire executive board threatened to decapitate the corporation during its financial crisis."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for decapitate

• Rhymes for decapitate

• Nearby Words

decamp
decant
decanter
decapitate
decapitation
decapitator
decarbonization

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Late Latin decapitare ('to behead'), formed from the prefix de- ('from, off') and caput, capitis ('head').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Decapitate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/decapitate
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