Meaning & Definition of word "Assassinate"
to
Assassinate
/əˈsæs.ɪ.neɪt/
verb:
- 1. To murder (a prominent person) by surprise attack for political or ideological reasons.
- Example: The political activist was convicted of plotting to assassinate the governor.
- 2. To destroy or damage someone's reputation or career in a covert or deceptive manner.
- Example: The negative press was intended to assassinate her character.
Etymology
From Middle French 'assassiner', from 'assassin' (from Arabic 'hashshāshīn').
Common Phrases and Expressions
political assassination:
The targeted killing of a political figure.
assassination attempt:
An effort to kill someone, usually a prominent person.
character assassination:
The damaging of someone's reputation through slander.
Related Words
assassin:
A person who kills someone, usually for political reasons.
murder:
The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.
target:
A person or thing aimed at or marked for attack.
Slang Meanings of assassinate
Meaning: Hit
Example Sentence: He's got a hit out on him, which means they plan to assassinate him.
Meaning: Take out
Example Sentence: They want to take him out because of his influence.