First Known Use: circa 1611
Dictionary
decapitate
verb de·cap·i·tate \di-ˈka-pə-ˌtāt, dē-\
: to cut off the head of (a person or animal)
de·cap·i·tat·edde·cap·i·tat·ing
Full Definition of DECAPITATE
transitive verb
: to cut off the head of : behead
— de·cap·i·ta·tion \-ˌka-pə-ˈtā-shən\ noun
— de·cap·i·ta·tor \-ˈka-pə-ˌtā-tər\ noun
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Origin of DECAPITATE
Late Latin decapitatus, past participle of decapitare, from Latin de- + capit-, caput head — more at head
Related to DECAPITATE
- Synonyms
- behead, guillotine, head
Rhymes with DECAPITATE
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DECAPITATE Defined for Kids
decapitate
verb de·cap·i·tate \di-ˈka-pə-ˌtāt\
de·cap·i·tat·edde·cap·i·tat·ing
Definition of DECAPITATE for Kids
: to cut off the head of : behead
Word Root of DECAPITATE
The Latin word caput, meaning “head," gives us the root capit, which is sometimes shortened to capt. Words from the Latin caput have something to do with the head or a place where decisions are made. The capital of a state or country is the city where the government is and where decisions are made about laws. A captain is the person who heads a group and leads his members. To decapitate is to cut off someone's head.
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