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Definition of assassination

assassination

/əˌsæs.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
as · sas · si · na · tion
Plural:assassinations
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assassination Lexical Profile

assassination Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The deliberate, premeditated murder of a prominent or important person, such as a head of state or political leader, typically for political, ideological, or religious motives.

Example

"The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 served as the immediate catalyst for the outbreak of World War I."

2

The intentional and malicious destruction or damaging of someone's reputation, honor, or public standing (especially in the phrase 'character assassination').

Example

"The debate quickly devolved from a discussion of policy into a ruthless character assassination."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for assassination

• Nearby Words

assam
assassin
assassinate
assassination
assassinator
assault
assaulter

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'assassinate', ultimately from Arabic 'hashishiyyin' (literally 'hashish-users'), a name applied during the Crusades to the Nizari Ismailis, a secret order in the Middle East known for the targeted political killings of rival leaders. The word was popularized in English by William Shakespeare in his play 'Macbeth' (1606).

Cite this Entry

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