assassinate

[uh-sas-uh-neyt]

verb (used with object)

assassinated, assassinating 

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

Other Word Forms

• assassination noun
• assassinative adjective
• assassinator noun
• unassassinated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of assassinate¹

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

Example Sentences

When Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were assassinated in their home in June, the media widely reported it as an attack on progressive politicians.

From Salon

Comedy Central, which is owned by Paramount, announced it will not air reruns of the second episode of the latest season after Kirk was assassinated Sept. 10 in Utah.

From Los Angeles Times

In that same period, two of the nation's most prominent civil rights leaders were assassinated too.

From BBC

The episode comes amid a string nationwide of employees being fired or suspended after being accused of publicly applauding the death of Kirk, who was assassinated last week at a Utah college campus.

From Los Angeles Times

Cain, who left a dozen roses at his alma mater, worries that his hometown will be forever known as the place where Kirk was assassinated.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• execute 
• gun down www.thesaurus.com
• kill 
• slaughter 
• slay