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

Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, has been killed in an apparent assassination at his home in the city of Zintan in northwestern Libya, the head of his political team said on Tuesday. —Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026

At the scene of the apparent assassination attempt, officials found the rifle, a black backpack and a bag containing ceramic tile, and a GoPro camera. —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026

In 1963, just days before his assassination, JFK hosted a White House fundraiser for the center. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, gangs have grown in power. —Colleen Barry, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 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