assassinate

[ uh-sas-uh-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, as·sas·si·nat·ed, as·sas·si·nat·ing.

1. to kill suddenly or secretively, especially a prominent person; murder premeditatedly and treacherously.

   Synonyms: slay

2. to destroy or harm treacherously and viciously:

   to assassinate a person's character.

assassinate

/ əˈsæsɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. to murder (a person, esp a public or political figure), usually by a surprise attack
2. to ruin or harm (a person's reputation, etc) by slander

Derived Forms

• asˌsassiˈnation, noun

Other Words From

• as·sas·si·na·tion [uh, -sas-, uh, -, ney, -sh, uh, n] noun
• as·sas·si·na·tive adjective
• as·sas·si·na·tor noun
• un·as·sas·si·nat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of assassinate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; assassin + -ate ¹

Related Words

• execute
• gun down
• kill
• slaughter
• slay