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

In 1981, this open-air concept would prove nearly detrimental, as John Paul II was shot during an assassination attempt while riding in a Fiat 1007 Nuova Campagnola in St. Peter's Square. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025

The White House swapped the official portrait of former President Barack Obama for a painting based on a photograph of Trump after the July 2024 assassination attempt. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Other presidents have survived assassination attempts and handled the aftermath in various ways, depending on their personalities. —Barbara A. Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025

The White House replaces a portrait of former President Obama with pop art of Trump with his fist in the air after the assassination attempt on him. —Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing assassination

• character assassination

Rhymes for assassination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration