decapitations

Noun

decapitation (countable and uncountable, plural decapitations)

1. Beheading; the act of beheading or decapitating.
   • If the headsman's axe was sharp and his aim was true, decapitation was a quick and relatively painless form of death.
2. The ousting or destruction of the ruling body of a government or other organization.
   • A decapitation strike carried out by drone killed many of the country's senior generals.
3. The unseating of a senior politician.
   • The decapitation of the Foreign Secretary was a significant publicity coup for the opposition.