Definition

The act of cutting off someone's head.

Example

The historical account described the decollation of the traitor as a public spectacle.

Conversation

Did you read that historical novel about the king's decollation?

No, I haven’t, but that sounds intense!

It really was; the chapter on his decollation was quite graphic.

I can imagine! Those events were often brutal in history.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Decollation is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "collare" (meaning to neck or to behead). The word refers to the act of cutting off the head, thus literally meaning to take away the neck.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('de-') the 'neck' ('collare') when you remember that decollation means beheading.

Visually Confused Words