Decapitate (verb)

1. To cut off the head of someone or something.
2. To remove the head of a person by means of violence.

Origin:

From the latin word decaptitare, from de- + caput head.

Examples:

1. The criminal was sentenced to death by decapitation.
2. The guillotine was used to decapitate prisoners during the French Revolution.
3. The soldier decapitated the enemy with one swift blow of his sword.
4. The statue was decapitated during the riots.
5. The terrorist group is known for its practice of decapitating hostages.