Definition

To kill someone, especially a famous or important person, usually for political reasons and often in a sudden or secretive way.

Example

The political leader was assassinated during a public event.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that political figure they tried to assassinate last week?

Yeah, it's shocking how extreme things have gotten lately.

I wonder what drives someone to go that far to assassinate someone.

It must involve a lot of anger and desperation, that's for sure.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Assassinate is derived from the Arabic word 'hashshāshīn' (meaning hashish users), which referred to a group of Nizari Ismailis in the 11th century who were known for their political murders. The term was later adopted into Latin as 'assassinare', meaning to murder, particularly for political reasons. The word combines the idea of a specific group associated with targeted killings.

Memory Tip

Imagine a group known for their targeted actions ('hashshāshīn') — this helps you remember that to 'assassinate' means to carry out a political murder.

Visually Confused Words