Word
decapitation
Phoneticsde·cap·i·ta·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/dɪˌkæpɪˈteɪʃən/
UK/dɪkˌæpɪtˈeɪʃən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. cutting off a person's or animal's head, usually causing death. You hear it about executions in the past or very violent attacks.
n. removal of the head from the body, especially as a form of execution or fatal injury. Extends metaphorically to the sudden removal of a group's leadership.
Examples
“The history book describes a decapitation during the revolution.”
“The news report confirmed the decapitation strike removed the group's top commanders in one night.”
“Historians argue that the public decapitation of the king marked a point of no return, turning reform into revolution.”
Examples
simple
“The history book describes a decapitation during the revolution.”
contextual
“The news report confirmed the decapitation strike removed the group's top commanders in one night.”
complex
“Historians argue that the public decapitation of the king marked a point of no return, turning reform into revolution.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “decapitation” in context.
Verb
01. call for decapitation
“Extremists called for the decapitation of the captured soldiers.”
verb + prep + noun
02. decapitation occurs
“Decapitation occurs instantly in such high-speed accidents, experts said.”
noun + verb
03. decapitation shocks
“The public decapitation shocks even experienced war reporters.”
noun + verb
04. die by decapitation
“The queen died by decapitation after being found guilty of treason.”
verb + prep + noun
05. order decapitation
“The king ordered the decapitation of his political rivals.”
verb + noun
06. perform decapitation
“The executioner was ordered to perform decapitation swiftly.”
verb + noun
Adjective
07. brutal decapitation
“The report described the brutal decapitation of prisoners by the armed group.”
adj + noun
08. gruesome decapitation
“The film was criticised for showing a gruesome decapitation in graphic detail.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. act of decapitation
“The act of decapitation was condemned as a war crime by the UN.”
noun + prep + noun
10. footage of decapitation
“Police urged the public not to share footage of the decapitation online.”
noun + prep + noun
11. carry out a public decapitation
“The regime carried out a public decapitation to intimidate opponents.”
12. condemn the act of decapitation
“World leaders condemned the act of decapitation as barbaric.”
Usage
Often used metaphorically in phrases like 'decapitation strike' to mean sudden removal of leadership.
Real-World Examples
“A video surfaced online on Saturday depicting rebels in Syria, affiliated with al Qaeda, executing a man believed to be a Shi'ite fighter supportive of the government through decapitation.” Etymology
From French décapitation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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