Assassinate: meaning, definitions and examples

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assassinate

[ əˈsæsɪneɪt ]

^{Context #1}

political

To kill (someone) suddenly or secretively, especially a prominent person such as a political leader or a public figure.

Synonyms

eliminate, kill, murder, take out

Examples of usage

The dictator was assassinated by a group of rebels.
The president narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.
The journalist was assassinated for exposing corruption in the government.

^{Context #2}

general

To destroy or harm (someone's reputation) with false or slanderous statements.

Synonyms

defame, slander, smear

Examples of usage

The media tried to assassinate the character of the celebrity.
He felt his credibility was assassinated by the false accusations.

Translations

Translations of the word "assassinate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assassinar

🇮🇳 हत्या करना

🇩🇪 ermorden

🇮🇩 membunuh

🇺🇦 вбивати

🇵🇱 zabijać

🇯🇵 暗殺する (ansatsu suru)

🇫🇷 assassiner

🇪🇸 asesinar

🇹🇷 suikast yapmak

🇰🇷 암살하다 (amsalhada)

🇸🇦 اغتيال

🇨🇿 zavraždit

🇸🇰 zavraždiť

🇨🇳 暗杀 (ànshā)

🇸🇮 umoriti

🇮🇸 myrða

🇰🇿 өлтіру

🇬🇪 მკვლელობა

🇦🇿 qətlə yetirmək

🇲🇽 asesinar

Word origin

The word 'assassinate' originated from the Latin word 'assassinare' which means 'to murder.' The term became popular during the Middle Ages in reference to the members of a Muslim sect who were known for their political assassinations. Over time, the word evolved to encompass any secret or sudden killing of a prominent individual. The concept of assassination has been prevalent throughout history, often associated with political motives or power struggles.