amputate

verb

Definition of amputatenext
as in to sever
medical to remove (part of a person's body) His arm was badly injured and had to be amputated.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of amputate Australian lawmaker Helen Haines has had both legs amputated after being rammed by a car outside her electoral office, her husband said, as the man accused of the attack appeared in court. — David Hickey, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026 One employee using the cutting machine, which had an inadequate guard, had two fingertips amputated in June, according to public records obtained by The Washington Post. — Myla S. Roundy, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 That a self-image forged in the crucible of the fear of being ugly makes women amputate their talents? — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 With only 2 percent chance of survival, both of Purdy's legs were amputated below the knee. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amputate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amputate
  1. sever
  2. yank
Verb
  • Her left hand was nearly severed by a gunshot, and her right arm was struck as well.
    — Gene Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • One was Larry Page, the 53-year-old Google cofounder who had ties to California for decades and began severing them after the wealth tax proposal.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of sever
Verb
  • With the wheels threatening to come off, Rays manager Kevin Cash yanked Seymour and put in Kevin Kelly.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Ignoring that rule could get flood insurance coverage yanked for an entire community.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of yank

Browse Nearby Words

amp (up)
amputate
amputated
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Cite this Entry

“Amputate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amputate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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