beheading
|be-head-ing|
C1
/bɪˈhɛdɪŋ/
(behead)
remove the head
Etymology
Etymology Information
'behead' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'behēafdian', where 'be-' meant 'off' and 'hēafod' meant 'head'.
Historical Evolution
'behēafdian' transformed into the Middle English word 'beheveden', and eventually became the modern English word 'behead'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to remove the head', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of cutting off the head of a person or animal.
The beheading was carried out at dawn.
Synonyms
Verb 1
present participle of 'behead'.
They are beheading the statues as a form of protest.
Last updated: 2025/05/01 14:10