decapitation

noun3

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.