beheading
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bɪˈhɛdɪŋ/
KK: /bɪˈhɛdɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of cutting off someone's head, often as a form of execution or punishment.
Example
The historical records detail the beheading of several prominent figures during the revolution.
Conversation
Did you hear about that historical beheading that happened centuries ago?
Yeah, it was so brutal and shocking!
I can't believe how public those events were back then.
Right? It’s hard to imagine something like that happening today.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
decapitation
execution
slaying
Antonyms
salvation
rescue
preservation
verb
Definition
To cut off someone's head, often as a form of execution or punishment.
Example
The historical account described the beheading of the traitor as a public spectacle.
Tense Forms
Past: beheaded
Past Participle: beheaded
Conversation
Did you hear about the movie where they show a beheading?
Yeah, I heard it was pretty intense!
I can't believe they would actually film something like that.
Root Explanation
Beheading is formed from "be-" (meaning about or around) and "head" (from Old English "heafod", meaning the upper part of the body). The suffix "-ing" indicates the action or process. Together, these parts describe the action of removing the head, which is the upper part of the body.
Memory Tip
Think of the action of removing the 'head' ('heafod') and how the prefix 'be-' suggests a focus on that part, making 'beheading' the act of taking away the head.
Visually Confused Words
heading
beading
subheading
sheading
headring
breeding
bleeding
bearding