assassination

noun

as·​sas·​si·​na·​tion ə-ˌsa-sə-ˈnā-shən 

plural assassinations

1

: murder by sudden or secret attack often for political reasons : the act or an instance of assassinating someone (such as a prominent political leader)

the assassination of Abraham Lincoln

an assassination attempt

In medieval days, assassination by poisoning was common enough to alarm many a king, and protection was sought in the form of prayers, food tasters and science.

—The New York Times

2

: treacherous destruction of a person's reputation

character assassination

Examples of assassination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The assassination attempt failed — and Hinckley was arrested, tried and found not guilty by reason of insanity in 1982. —Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

The center came under fresh scrutiny after the assassination last year of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who founded and led Turning Point USA. —ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026

He was briefly suspended by ABC in September after his comment about the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026

First Amendment protects Kimmel's speech, expert says The controversy comes months after Kimmel’s temporary suspension over comments made in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing assassination

• character assassination

Rhymes for assassination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration