SINCE 1828
assassination
noun
as·sas·si·na·tion
| \ ə-ˌsa-sə-ˈnā-shən
\
\
plural assassinations
Definition of assassination
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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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