Crossword Genius

Cause a capital loss (10)

Ross

I think it could be either:

Which length description are you looking for?:

6

10

decapitate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'cause' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I don't understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for decapitate that I've seen before include "Behead" , "guillotine" , "remove nut" , "To take top off" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app