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

Trump has suggested in the past that intervention from above brought him back into office and saved him from an assassination attempt. —Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

An investigation into Abe’s assassination revealed close ties between his governing party and the church, dating back to a 1960s anti-communist movement supported by Abe’s grandfather, former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi. —Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026

According to the prosecution, the reason for the stalking was to allegedly carry out a politically motivated assassination. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Tangent The decision comes months after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr implied the agency would take action against late night host Jimmy Kimmel after controversial comments following the assassination of conservative campus activist Charlie Kirk. —Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 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