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Definition of assassin

assassin

/əˈsæs.ɪn/
as · sas · sin
Plural:assassins
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assassin Lexical Profile

assassin Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who murders an important or prominent person, especially for political, ideological, or financial reasons.

Example

"Historians have long studied the motives of the assassin whose actions triggered the diplomatic crisis of 1914."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for assassin
Antonyms
View all antonyms for assassin

Word Nuance & Usage

Unlike 'murderer' or 'killer', 'assassin' specifically implies a targeted killing of a prominent political, religious, or public figure, or a killing carried out for hire or ideological motives.

• Rhymes for assassin

• Nearby Words

assail
assailant
assam
assassin
assassinate
assassination
assassinator

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century via French and Italian from Arabic 'hashishiyyin' ('hashish-users'), a derogatory name applied during the Crusades to a secretive Nizari Ismaili sect known for the targeted killings of political and religious rivals.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Assassin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/assassin
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