decapitation

noun

1. 1

   Beheading; the act of beheading or decapitating

2. 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. 3

   The unseating of a senior politician.

   “The decapitation of the Foreign Secretary was a significant publicity coup for the opposition.”