assassinate

[ uh-sas-uh-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, as·sas·si·nat·ed, as·sas·si·nat·ing.

1. to kill suddenly or secretively, especially a prominent person; murder premeditatedly and treacherously.

   Synonyms: slay

2. to destroy or harm treacherously and viciously:

   to assassinate a person's character.

assassinate

/ əˈsæsɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. to murder (a person, esp a public or political figure), usually by a surprise attack
2. to ruin or harm (a person's reputation, etc) by slander

Derived Forms

• asˌsassiˈnation, noun

Other Words From

• as·sas·si·na·tion [uh, -sas-, uh, -, ney, -sh, uh, n] noun
• as·sas·si·na·tive adjective
• as·sas·si·na·tor noun
• un·as·sas·si·nat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of assassinate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; assassin + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

In the meantime, Mr. Haniyeh was assassinated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, in July, a killing widely attributed to Israel.

From New York Times

According to the statement, the plotters had not just planned to assassinate the president-elect and the vice-president-elect but also wanted to arrest and execute a member of the Supreme Court once their coup was successful.

From BBC

In a statement, Mr Baghaei said similar accusations of attempts to assassinate US presidents had been made in the past, which Iran denied and went on to be false.

From BBC

“We believe that they all conspired to assassinate Malcolm X, one of the greatest thought leaders of the 20th century,” attorney Ben Crump said at a press conference announcing the filing.

From Salon

Iran has allegedly plotted to assassinate Trump in recent months.

From Salon

Related Words

• execute
• gun down
• kill
• slaughter
• slay