amputate

verb

am·​pu·​tate ˈam-pyə-ˌtāt How to pronounce amputate (audio)
amputated; amputating
Synonyms of amputatenext

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 How to pronounce amputate (audio)
noun

Examples of amputate in a Sentence

His arm was badly injured and had to be amputated.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Yevhenii Lakhnenko, a 46-year-old army serviceman who had his right arm and left leg amputated after being wounded last October, said swimming had been central to his recovery. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 After several months of treatment, zoo officials said the decision was made to amputate Crimson’s leg. — Jasmine Mendez follow, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Eventually, gangrene set in and part of his foot had to be amputated. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 The Broadway star endured mini-strokes, blood clots, septic infections and a tracheostomy before doctors amputated his right leg. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amputate

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of amputate was in 1612

Rhymes for amputate

See All Rhymes for amputate

Browse Nearby Words

ampulliform
amputate
amputation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amputate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amputate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

amputate

verb
am·​pu·​tate ˈam-pyə-ˌtāt How to pronounce amputate (audio)
amputated; amputating
: to cut off
especially : to cut off an arm or leg from the body
amputation
ˌam-pyə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce amputate (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

amputate

transitive verb
am·​pu·​tate ˈam-pyə-ˌtāt How to pronounce amputate (audio)
amputated; amputating
: to cut (as a limb) from the body
amputation
ˌam-pyə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce amputate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on amputate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for amputate

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