amputate

To amputate something means to remove or cut off a body part. A doctor might need to amputate a person's finger if it gets badly hurt.

When we talk about amputation, usually we mean a medical operation where a surgeon removes a diseased or injured limb to save the rest of the body. This is often done in emergency situations or as a last resort when other treatments haven't worked. Hospitals have specialized teams that can perform amputations if needed. The patient will usually need therapy and prosthetic help after the surgery to adjust to life without the lost limb.