Meaning & Definition of word "Decapitation"
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Decapitation
/dɪˌkæpɪˈteɪʃən/
noun:
- 1. the action of cutting off the head of a person or animal.
- Example: The decapitation of the statue caused a public outcry.
- 2. the removal of the head, typically as a form of execution.
- Example: The historical records showed that decapitation was a common method of punishment in ancient times.
- 3. the act of eliminating leadership or authority from an organization.
- Example: The company's sudden decapitation left many employees uncertain about their future.
Etymology
From Latin 'decapitare', meaning 'to cut off the head'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
headless body:
A body without a head, often used in crime contexts.
cut off someone's head:
To remove someone's authority or power.
lose one's head:
To become frantic or irrational; to succumb to panic.
Related Words
beheader:
One who beheads; an executioner.
headless:
Without a head; decapitated.
execution:
The carrying out of a sentence of death on a condemned person.
Slang Meanings of decapitation
Meaning: Losing one's head in a situation.
Example Sentence: When the deadline hit, I really felt like I was facing decapitation with all the stress.
Meaning: To be cut off completely from a situation.
Example Sentence: After the scandal broke, he was decapitated from the project.