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

Reports of politically motivated violence are distressingly common – ranging from mass shootings, car-ramming attacks and assaults at demonstrations to assassination attempts, kidnappings and threats targeting mayors, governors, political activists and members of Congress. —Justin Pickett, The Conversation, 17 Nov. 2025

Students also brought up a lingering fear of retaliation and a need for greater security following Kirk's assassination. —Cate Charron, IndyStar, 17 Nov. 2025

Although Carr didn’t comment, his public co-sign of the president’s demand for NBC to fire the late-night hosts comes after his apparent threat to take action against ABC over remarks by Jimmy Kimmel following the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September. —Giana Levy, Variety, 16 Nov. 2025

The claims come amid criticism of FBI Director Kash Patel's handling of several investigations, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the campus of the Utah Valley University (UVU) in September. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 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