amputate

[am-pyoo-teyt] / ˈæm pyʊˌteɪt /

VERB

remove a limb

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cut away cut off sever

STRONG

dismember eliminate excise lop separate truncate

Antonyms

STRONG

join

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He did his best to amputate above the sickly parts in the hope of saving the patient’s life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

But the doctors in Gaza refused to amputate, hoping to save the foot.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2024

Another patient in north Wales almost had the wrong toe removed during surgery to amputate two others.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2024

Another infection led doctors to amputate his left arm below the elbow that December.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

"They're not gonna amputate it, baby. They're gonna fix it," she assured her.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds