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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

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

“John Wick 4,” written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, finds Stahelski and Reeves’ collaboration in full bloom, aligned in their vision for everyone’s favorite un-retired hit man.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 24, 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

“I came here to change. Your lawyer hit man, Nazario, sprung me out of work and gave me no choice.”

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez

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