Hitman: meaning, definitions and examples

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hitman

[ˈhɪtmən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

assassin

A hitman is a person hired to kill someone, usually for money. They are often highly skilled in firearms and stealth, making them efficient in carrying out their deadly tasks.

Synonyms

assassin, contract killer, executioner, gunman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hitman	Typically used to describe a person hired to kill someone in an organized crime context. The mob boss hired a hitman to take care of his rival The hitman waited in the shadows, ready for his target
assassin	Usually used to describe a professional killer who targets specific high-profile individuals, often for political reasons. The assassin was trained to silence political enemies The famous leader was taken down by a skilled assassin
contract killer	Similar to 'hitman,' but emphasizes the business aspect of killing for a fee. He made a living as a contract killer, taking orders from various clients The contract killer received half his payment upfront
gunman	Focuses on the use of firearms, often used to describe someone involved in a shooting incident. The connotation may be negative. The gunman opened fire in the crowded street Witnesses saw a gunman running from the scene
executioner	A person who carries out the death penalty as part of a legal sentence. This word is not typically associated with illegal activities. The executioner carried out the judge's sentence In medieval times, the executioner was feared by many

Examples of usage

John hired a hitman to eliminate his business rival.
The hitman silently entered the target's house and completed the job.
The hitman's identity remains unknown to this day.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

video games

In video games, a hitman refers to a character or player who specializes in stealthy assassinations and completing missions with precision and strategy.

Synonyms

agent, assassin, mercenary, operative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hitman	Used to describe a person who is hired to kill someone for money. Often associated with criminal activities and has a negative connotation. The mafia boss decided to hire a hitman to take care of his enemies. In the movie, the protagonist crosses paths with a ruthless hitman.
assassin	Describes a person who murders an important person for political or religious reasons. Has a historical or dramatic tone. The king was wary of assassins trying to claim his throne. The novel tells the story of an assassin who targets corrupt officials.
operative	Refers to someone who works for an agency, typically in espionage or intelligence operations. Can also imply someone who carries out specific tasks or missions. The covert operative was tasked with infiltrating the enemy's headquarters. The agency deployed an operative to handle the delicate situation.
agent	Refers to someone who acts on behalf of a government or organization, often in secretive or investigative roles. Can also mean someone who represents athletes, actors, or writers. The secret agent was on a mission to gather intelligence about the rival country. Her agent negotiated a lucrative contract with the publishing house.
mercenary	Used for a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army. Often implies fighting solely for money rather than for a cause. The general decided to hire mercenaries to bolster his army's strength. Mercenaries played a crucial role during the war, offering their services to the highest bidder.

Examples of usage

The protagonist in the game is a skilled hitman hired by a secret agency.
The hitman must navigate through various obstacles to reach the target undetected.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'hitman' gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly associated with organized crime.
The word 'hit' in this context is believed to come from slang referring to murder or killing.
Before 'hitman,' similar terms like 'contract killer' were used to describe someone hired to commit murder.

Pop Culture

Hitmen are popular characters in movies, often portrayed as cold and calculating, like in films such as 'Hitman' and 'The Godfather.'
Video games like 'Hitman' series allow players to take on the role of contract killers, sparking interest in their fictionalized lives.
Famous hitman characters often reflect the inner conflict between their jobs and personal emotions, leading to complex storylines.

Psychology

Studies show that the morality of hiring someone to harm others can be rationalized differently depending on cultural context.
The detachment of a hitman’s work might lead to an emotional numbness, resulting from frequent exposure to violence.
The psychology behind becoming a hitman often includes a combination of socio-economic factors and a desire for power or control.

Law and Ethics

Hiring a hitman is a serious crime in most countries and is punishable by long prison sentences.
Many legal systems differentiate between 'conspiracy' to commit a violent act and the act itself, making hiring a hitman equally culpable.
Ethically, the act of hiring someone to commit violence raises significant moral dilemmas and questions about human life and responsibility.

Historical Cases

Throughout the 20th century, numerous infamous crime bosses were known to employ hitmen to eliminate rivals.
High-profile assassinations in history, like those of political figures, sometimes involved hired killers, sparking public outrage.
The infamous 'hitman' known as 'The Iceman' was connected to over 100 murders, demonstrating the dark reality of organized crime.

Translations

Translations of the word "hitman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 assassino de aluguel

🇮🇳 भाड़े का हत्यारा

🇩🇪 Auftragsmörder

🇮🇩 pembunuh bayaran

🇺🇦 найманий вбивця

🇵🇱 zabójca na zlecenie

🇯🇵 ヒットマン

🇫🇷 tueur à gages

🇪🇸 asesino a sueldo

🇹🇷 tetikçi

🇰🇷 청부 살인자

🇸🇦 قاتل مأجور

🇨🇿 nájemný vrah

🇸🇰 nájomný vrah

🇨🇳 职业杀手

🇸🇮 najemni morilec

🇮🇸 leigumorðingi

🇰🇿 жалдамалы өлтіруші

🇬🇪 დაქირავებული მკვლელი

🇦🇿 muqavilə qatil

🇲🇽 asesino a sueldo