Definition

To cut off a part of the body, usually through surgery, such as a limb or digit.

Example

The doctor had to amputate his leg after the accident.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the accident at the construction site?

Yeah, I heard someone had to amputate a finger.

That's so awful! I can't believe it happened.

I know, right? It's a reminder of how dangerous those jobs can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Amputate is formed from "amputare" (meaning to cut off), which is derived from the Latin roots "am-" (meaning away) and "putare" (meaning to prune or trim). The word describes the act of cutting off a limb or part of the body.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cutting away' ('am-') something that needs to be removed ('putare'). This helps you remember that 'amputate' means to cut off a part of the body.

Visually Confused Words