amputate
Pronunciation: [ˈæmpjʊˌteɪt]
Word
Context: "medical"
(verb) to cut off a part of the body, usually a limb or digit, because it is injured or infected. This is done when the part can't be saved and needs to be removed to keep the person healthy.
Example
The doctors decided to amputate his injured leg to prevent further infection.
Example
They were unable to save the arm, but they hoped they wouldn't have to amputate it.
Example
Why did the surgeon need to amputate the patient's foot?
Context: "metaphorical"
(verb) to remove or cut off something non-physical, like a part of a plan or an idea. This can mean getting rid of something that is no longer useful or needed.
Example
They decided to amputate the unnecessary sections of the project to make it more efficient.
Example
The team felt they couldn't amputate any parts of the plan without losing important details.
Example
What parts of the project should we amputate to improve it?
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