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Synonyms

hit man

American  
Or hitman

noun

Slang.
  1. a hired killer, especially a professional killer from the underworld.

  2. hatchet man.


hit man British  

noun

  1. slang a hired assassin, esp one employed by gangsters

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of hit man

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

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.

See Examples For:

"There is no evidence he was a hit man full-time, part-time or any time", he added.

From BBC Jun. 30, 2025

Yes, 2023’s “John Wick: Chapter 4” seemed like it could be the concluding entry in the hugely popular franchise featuring Keanu Reeves as the legendary — and seemingly indestructible — hit man of few words.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 1, 2025

But the one that has most resonated — killed, you might say — has been a gentler, funnier take on the genre that says right up front: The hired hit man is a Hollywood myth.

From Seattle Times Sep. 13, 2023

The 58-year-old has since starred in the Matrix sequels and as a hit man in the John Wick franchise.

From Washington Post Mar. 7, 2023

He squeezes the words out of the corner of his mouth like a hit man.

From "The Misfits" by James Howe

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