decapitate

views updated May 23 2018

de·cap·i·tate / diˈkapiˌtāt/ • v. [tr.] cut off the head of (a person or animal): [as adj.] (decapitated) a decapitated body. ∎  cut the end or top from (something). ∎ fig. attempt to undermine (a group or organization) by removing its leaders.DERIVATIVES: de·cap·i·ta·tion / diˌkapiˈtāshən/ n.de·cap·i·ta·tor / -ˌtātər/ n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

decapitate

views updated Jun 27 2018

decapitate XVII. f. pp. stem of late L. dēcapitāre, f. DE- 6 + caput, capit-; see -ATE 3.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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decapitate

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