Meaning & Definition of word "Amputate"

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    Amputate

    /ˈæmpjʊteɪt/

    verb:

    • 1. To cut off a limb or part of the body, typically by surgical operation.
      • Example: The doctors had to amputate his leg after the severe accident.
    • 2. To remove or sever, especially in a way that is drastic or severe.
      • Example: In the war, many soldiers had to amputate limbs to prevent the spread of infection.
    • 3. To cut something away from a larger whole.
      • Example: The gardener had to amputate the overgrown branches to shape the tree.

    Etymology

    Latin 'amputare', from 'am-' meaning 'from' and 'putare' meaning 'to cut'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    cut off:

    to sever or remove something completely

    lose a limb:

    to undergo amputation or to have a limb removed

    rise from the ashes:

    to recover from a loss or setback, related to healing after amputation

    Related Words

    amputation:

    The surgical removal of a limb.

    limb:

    An arm or leg of a person or four-legged animal.

    surgery:

    The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of injury, disease, and deformity through operations.

    Slang Meanings of amputate

    Meaning: To cut something out or off decisively.

    Example Sentence: They really amputated that project after seeing the numbers.

    Meaning: To remove something from consideration.

    Example Sentence: He just amputated the idea after hearing the feedback.