decapitation
/ˈdi.kæp.əˌteɪ.ʃən/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.63 in modern English
17
Scrabble Score
12
Letters
5
Syllables
9
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
The ousting or destruction of the ruling body of a government or other organization.
Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "If the headsman's axe was sharp and his aim was true, decapitation was a quick and relatively painless form of death."
- "The tortoise, possessing, like the serpent, the power of retaining life in its limbs after mutilation or decapitation, became a symbol of androgynity as well as of immortality."
- "A decapitation strike carried out by drone killed many of the country's senior generals."
- "Even those who welcome the decapitation of the Iranian regime may feel deep unease about America’s behavior."
- "The decapitation of the Foreign Secretary was a significant publicity coup for the opposition."
- "The Lib Dem contender hoping to accomplish a bit of pre-emptive decapitation is Andrew Crawford."
Etymology
From French décapitation.
Origin
- Source language: French
Word Breakdown
- Root: décapitation
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈdi.kæp.əˌteɪ.ʃən/
- British English: /dɪˌkæp.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/