amputate

verb

am·​pu·​tate ˈam-pyə-ˌtāt 

amputated; amputating

transitive verb

: to remove by or as if by cutting

especially : to cut (a part, such as a limb) from the body

amputation

ˌam-pyə-ˈtā-shən 

noun

Examples of amputate in a Sentence

His arm was badly injured and had to be amputated.

Recent Examples on the Web

After another attempt to extract him on the morning of Nov. 23 was also unsuccessful, the decision was made to amputate his leg to facilitate his rescue. —Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024

In severe cases, the affected leg might have to be amputated. 4. —Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024

Straight out of the box, the gadget overhauls the landscaping and all but amputates Gromit’s paws. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 27 Oct. 2024

The former German third-division professional footballer broke his knee in a collision with a goalkeeper while playing for Fortuna Koln in 2001 and had to have his left lower leg amputated. —Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin amputātus, past participle of amputāre "to prune back (a plant), prune away, remove by cutting (unwanted parts or features), cut off (a branch, limb, body part)," from am-, assimilated variant of amb- "about, around" + putāre "to prune, make clean or tidy, scour (wool)" — more at ambient entry 1, putative

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

amputate

verb

am·​pu·​tate ˈam-pyə-ˌtāt 

amputated; amputating

: to cut off

especially : to cut off an arm or leg from the body

amputation

ˌam-pyə-ˈtā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

amputate

transitive verb

am·​pu·​tate ˈam-pyə-ˌtāt 

amputated; amputating

: to cut (as a limb) from the body

amputation

ˌam-pyə-ˈtā-shən 

noun