Decapitate/dɪˈkæpɪteɪt/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Violent Act The term is often associated with violent historical methods of punishment. Medieval tales often describe knights being decapitated in battle. Pro Tip 2/3Shocking Imagery The word evokes strong, gory images; use it carefully to avoid distress. The horror movie depicted a villain decapitating his foes. Pro Tip 3/3Rarely Literal Today, it's more common in figurative language, except in specific contexts. The novel metaphorically described the king's fall as a decapitation.