assassination

noun

as·​sas·​si·​na·​tion ə-ˌsa-sə-ˈnā-shən 

plural assassinations

1

: murder by sudden or secret attack often for political reasons : the act or an instance of assassinating someone (such as a prominent political leader)

the assassination of Abraham Lincoln

an assassination attempt

In medieval days, assassination by poisoning was common enough to alarm many a king, and protection was sought in the form of prayers, food tasters and science.

—The New York Times

2

: treacherous destruction of a person's reputation

character assassination

Examples of assassination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Martinez, known as a tough sentencing judge, had already given out five life terms to five prior defendants in the Haiti assassination case, which is now at a crossroads. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 21 May 2024

Things are even more tense than usual this visit, as local news covers an assassination attempt on a politician connected to her father. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 20 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing assassination

• character assassination