Synonyms

assassination

American

[uh-sas-uh-ney-shuhn] / əˌsæs əˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

the premeditated act of killing someone suddenly or secretively, especially a prominent person.

The meticulous way in which the journalist's assassination was carried out has led to suspicions that his killers were professionals working for state security.
the act of destroying or harming treacherously and viciously.

They went after me with everything they had, engaging in character assassination and in destroying my reputation—a complete fabrication and frame-up.

Other Word Forms

counterassassination noun

Etymology

Origin of assassination

assassin(ate) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said: "We relatives call it a state assassination of our children, and all the people who were aboard that train… in which European country could this be possible?"

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The assassination attempt happened as the former president left the Washington Hilton hotel after giving a speech.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council who formerly served as the late Khamenei’s top advisor, said in his first remarks since the ayatollah’s killing that his assassination was unprecedented.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026

The church, popularly known as the "Moonies", came under scrutiny after the shock assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2022.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Cicero’s final comeuppance came after the assassination of Julius Caesar.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023