How Do You Spell BEHEAD?

Pronunciation: [bɪhˈɛd] (IPA)

The word "behead" is spelled with the letter combination "be-" followed by the sound /hɛd/. This sound is represented in IPA phonetic transcription with the letters /h/ and /ɛd/. The spelling of "behead" follows the basic English pattern of using prefixes such as "be-" to add different meanings to verbs. In this case, "be-" acts as an intensifier, emphasizing the action of "head," which means to cut off the head of something or someone. Correct spelling is crucial for clear communication and understanding.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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BEHEAD Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "behead" refers to the act of intentionally severing or removing someone's head from their body, typically as a form of execution or punishment. It involves the use of a sharp object, such as a sword, axe, or guillotine, to swiftly cut through the neck, causing immediate decapitation. The act of beheading has been used throughout history, often in public settings, to execute prisoners, traitors, or individuals perceived as threats to the ruling powers.

    Despite its brutal nature, beheading has been employed by various civilizations for different reasons. From ancient times to the present day, it has been utilized as a means to impose fear, assert authority, or uphold religious beliefs and laws. Beheading has also been a significant method of execution in many cultures, both in warfare and criminal justice.

    The process of beheading, due to its violent nature, is typically designated for highly serious offenses, as it is considered a particularly gruesome and irreversible form of punishment. While some countries still practice beheading as a method of execution, it has been abolished in many regions, with alternative forms, such as lethal injection or electrocution, being deemed more humane. Despite its diminished use, the term "behead" continues to evoke strong feelings, symbolizing a brutal and merciless act of violence with profound historical and cultural implications.

  2. To cut off the head.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BEHEAD

Etymology of BEHEAD

The word "behead" derives from the combination of two Middle English words: "be-" and "heafod".

The prefix "be-" in Old English was often used as an intensifier or to signify a complete action. In this case, it intensifies the action of "heafod", which means "head".

"Heafod" itself comes from the Old English word "heafod" or "heafud", which has Germanic origins. The Germanic root can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *haubudą, which further connects to the Proto-Indo-European root *kaput- meaning "head".

Combining these elements, "behead" originally meant "to completely cut off the head" or "to separate the head from the body". It has remained relatively stable in its form and meaning throughout the centuries.

Similar spelling words for BEHEAD

Conjugate verb Behead

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have beheaded
you would have beheaded
he/she/it would have beheaded
we would have beheaded
they would have beheaded
I would have behead
you would have behead
he/she/it would have behead
we would have behead
they would have behead

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been beheading
you would have been beheading
he/she/it would have been beheading
we would have been beheading
they would have been beheading

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would behead
you would behead
he/she/it would behead
we would behead
they would behead

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be beheading
you would be beheading
he/she/it would be beheading
we would be beheading
they would be beheading

FUTURE

I will behead
you will behead
he/she/it will behead
we will behead
they will behead

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be beheading
you will be beheading
he/she/it will be beheading
we will be beheading
they will be beheading

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have beheaded
you will have beheaded
he/she/it will have beheaded
we will have beheaded
they will have beheaded

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been beheading
you will have been beheading
he/she/it will have been beheading
we will have been beheading
they will have been beheading

IMPERATIVE

you behead
we let´s behead

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to behead

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was beheading
you were beheading
he/she/it was beheading
we were beheading
they were beheading

PAST PARTICIPLE

beheaded

PAST PERFECT

I had beheaded
you had beheaded
he/she/it had beheaded
we had beheaded
they had beheaded

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been beheading
you had been beheading
he/she/it had been beheading
we had been beheading
they had been beheading

PRESENT

I behead
you behead
he/she/it beheads
we behead
they behead

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am beheading
you are beheading
he/she/it is beheading
we are beheading
they are beheading

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

beheading

PRESENT PERFECT

I have beheaded
you have beheaded
he/she/it has beheaded
we have beheaded
they have beheaded

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been beheading
you have been beheading
he/she/it has been beheading
we have been beheading
they have been beheading

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it behead

SIMPLE PAST

I beheaded
you beheaded
he/she/it beheaded
we beheaded
they beheaded

Infographic

Correct spelling for behead
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