assassinate

Definition

To murder someone, especially an important person, by a sudden or obscure attack, especially for ideological or political reasons.

Etymology

From assassin + -ate, after Middle French assassiner.

Example Sentences

• "The Assassines, a nation depending of Phœnicia, are esteemed among the Mahometists[…]. And thus was our Earle Raymond of Tripoli murthered or assassinated (this word is borrowed from their name) in the middest of his Citie, during the time of our warres in the holy land[…]."
• "He assassinated his rival's character."
• "Such uſage as your honourable Lords / Afford me aſſaſſinated and betray'd, […]"

Related Words