Assassination Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
assassination
[ษหsรฆs.ษชหneษช.สษn ]
Definitions
political power
The act of killing an important or famous person, usually for political reasons.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| assassination |
Used when referring to the deliberate killing of a prominent or important person, often for political reasons.
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| murder |
Refers to the unlawful and intentional killing of another person, carrying strongly negative connotations.
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| homicide |
A general term for the killing of one person by another, without specifying motive or legality. It can be neutral or clinical.
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| execution |
Specifically refers to the legally sanctioned killing of someone as a punishment for a crime, often after a trial.
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Examples of usage
- The assassination of President Kennedy shocked the nation.
- The assassination attempt on the prime minister failed.
history
The murder of a prominent person or political figure by a surprise attack, usually for political reasons.
Synonyms
elimination, killing, slaying.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| assassination |
Refers to the murder of a well-known figure, usually in a covert manner and often for ideological motives.
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| slaying |
Often used in dramatic or literary contexts to describe killing, especially in violent or heroic scenarios. It can also imply a negative connotation.
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| killing |
A general term for causing someone's death, without specific connotation of method or type of victim. It can refer to both legal and illegal acts.
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| elimination |
Used in broader contexts to describe the removal or destruction of someone or something. It can be euphemistic and less direct than 'killing.'
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Examples of usage
- The assassination of Julius Caesar changed the course of history.
- The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand led to the start of World War I.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term comes from the Arabic word 'hashshฤshฤซn,' referring to a secretive group in the 11th century who were said to consume hashish before carrying out political murders.
- One of the most famous assassinations in history is that of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914, an event that sparked World War I.
- The killing of Julius Caesar in 44 BC is often considered one of the earliest recorded political assassinations, motivated by concerns over his growing power.
Pop Culture
- Movies often portray assassinations as high-stakes missionsโthink of films like 'The Bourne Identity' where agents carry out covert operations.
- In video games, many storylines revolve around assassins, such as in the 'Assassin's Creed' series, which blends history and action.
- Songs like 'Assassination' by the band The Last Shadow Puppets refer to intense emotional themes, drawing a parallel between love and deadly situations.
Psychology
- Research shows that individuals carrying out assassinations may be motivated by strong ideological beliefs or personal grievances.
- Psychological profiling suggests many perpetrators experience feelings of powerlessness before resorting to extreme actions like assassination.
- The impact of an assassination can create collective trauma, influencing social behavior and political movements in affected communities.
Legal Considerations
- Assassination is often regarded as a war crime or crime against humanity, especially if it targets civilians or political figures during conflicts.
- International laws, such as the Geneva Conventions, aim to protect leaders and diplomats from targeted killings during wartime.
- Countries often have legal frameworks for addressing the consequences of political killings, including trials and penalties for those involved.
Literature
- Many works of fiction explore themes of betrayal and power through the lens of assassination, from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' to modern thrillers.
- Biographies of historical figures frequently recount the circumstances and consequences of their assassinations, influencing public perception.
- The exploration of ethical dilemmas surrounding assassination appears in philosophical texts, discussing justifications and moral implications.
Origin of 'assassination'
The word 'assassination' originated from the Latin word 'assassinare', which means 'to murder secretly or by treachery'. The practice of assassination dates back to ancient times, with political and religious figures often being targeted for elimination. Throughout history, assassinations have been used as a tool to remove perceived threats or obstacles to power. The word gained particular prominence in the modern era with high-profile assassinations of leaders and public figures.
See also: assassinate.