 The term beheading refers to the act of deliberately decapitating a person, either as a means of murder or as an execution; it may be accomplished with an axe, a sword, a knife, a machete or by mechanical means such as a guillotine or chainsaw.An executioner who carries out executions by beheading is sometimes called a headsman.Accidental decapitation can be the result of an explosion, a car or industrial accident, improperly administered execution by hanging or other violent injury.