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

This is expected to affect bets linked to wars, terror attacks and assassinations. — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Trump has been the target of multiple assassination attempts. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Next week's preliminary hearing will be the public's first detailed look at the evidence prosecutors say ties Robinson to Kirk's assassination. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

After a minute, surveillance helicopters could be heard overhead, the spectacle of sheer joy mixing with the vibes of assassination-worthy leaders in a surreal and, frankly, slightly uncomfortable way. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026

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