Assassinate
/əˈsæs.ɪ.neɪt/
Meaning & Definition
verb
To murder (a prominent person) by surprise attack for political or ideological reasons.
The political activist was convicted of plotting to assassinate the governor.
To destroy or damage someone's reputation or career in a covert or deceptive manner.
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
Hit
He's got a hit out on him, which means they plan to assassinate him.
Take out
They want to take him out because of his influence.