斬首

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 斬首 is read as ざんしゅ and is a noun and する verb for beheading, execution by cutting off the head.
• Basic usage: Imposing the sentence appears in 斬首の刑を言い渡す, while describing a historical punishment appears in 斬首が刑罰として用いられる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Severe historical punishment
  • It is a strong term identifying a particular method of execution in historical, legal, or fictional contexts.
• Difference from 処刑
  • 処刑 means carrying out a death sentence regardless of method, while 斬首 specifically identifies beheading.