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Definition of decapitation

decapitation

/dɪˌkæp.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/
de · cap · i · ta · tion
Plural:decapitations
•
Adjective:decapitative
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decapitation Lexical Profile

decapitation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act of cutting off or severing the head of a person or animal, historically used as a method of capital punishment.

Example

"Historians studied how the introduction of the guillotine standardized the practice of decapitation during the French Revolution."

2

The sudden removal or neutralization of the top leadership or command structure of an organization, government, or group.

Example

"The sudden resignation of the entire executive board resulted in the effective decapitation of the company's management."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for decapitation

• Rhymes for decapitation

• Nearby Words

decant
decanter
decapitate
decapitation
decapitator
decarbonization
decarbonize

Word Origin & Etymology

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

Cite this Entry

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