Assassin: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to someone who kills important people, often for political reasons or as part of a secret plan.

• The assassin was caught before he could reach the president
• The history book described the infamous assassin who changed the course of history

Typically used when referring to a person who is hired to kill someone, often in a criminal and secretive context.

• The crime boss hired a hitman to take care of his enemies
• The movie featured a hitman who had a change of heart

Use this word to describe a shooter who targets people from a long distance, usually in military or police operations.

• The sniper was positioned on the rooftop to provide cover
• During the battle, the sniper took out several key targets

This word is suitable for a criminal who uses a gun in a crime, often in the context of robberies or shootings.

• The gunman demanded all the money from the cashier
• The police warned about a gunman who was seen in the neighborhood

Used to describe a person who is hired or trained to kill someone, usually for political or military reasons. The term has a negative connotation.

• The assassin waited in the shadows, timing their strike perfectly
• The king was killed by an assassin in the dead of night

Commonly used in the context of video games or fiction, this term describes a character who relies on stealth and subterfuge to achieve their goals, avoiding direct confrontation.

• In the game, the stealth character can sneak past guards and disable traps without being noticed
• The stealth character moved silently through the hallways, undetected by anyone

Refers to a skilled agent, often working in intelligence or espionage, involved in secretive and covert operations. It's a broader term and doesn't always imply killing.

• The operative successfully infiltrated the enemy base and gathered critical information
• As an experienced operative, she knew how to blend into her surroundings