Decapitate
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3
Violent Act
The term is often associated with violent historical methods of punishment. Medieval tales often describe knights being decapitated in battle.
Pro Tip 2/3
Shocking Imagery
The word evokes strong, gory images; use it carefully to avoid distress. The horror movie depicted a villain decapitating his foes.
Pro Tip 3/3
Rarely Literal
Today, it's more common in figurative language, except in specific contexts. The novel metaphorically described the king's fall as a decapitation.