Assassination Meaning and Definition
Assassination
Pronunciation
/ˌæsəˈseɪnmeɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A premeditated act of killing a person, especially a prominent figure, politician, or member of a royal family, typically for ideological, financial, or personal motives.
Examples
- The government ordered an investigation into the high-profile assassination of the president.
- The term ‘traitor’ was used to describe the person accused of plotting the assassination.
Synonyms
- Murder
- Homicide
- Murder
Antonyms
- Revival
- Revive
- Raise
Etymology
The word ‘assassination’ originated from the Arabic word ‘hashshashin’, referring to a medieval Nizari Ismaili Muslim group known for their secretive and targeted killings.
Usage Notes
When using the word ‘assassination’, it’s essential to consider the context and implications of the act. Be cautious when using it in casual conversation, as it can be perceived as insensitive or sensational.
Cultural References
The term ‘assassination’ has been featured in various forms of media, including films like ‘Assassination Nation’ and ‘The Man Who Was Thursday’, as well as books like ‘The Man from St. Petersburg’ by Ken Follett.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- ‘Assassination by a thousand cuts’ (referring to a series of minor attacks or insults that eventually lead to a person’s downfall)
- ‘Assassination of character’ (referring to the intentional destruction of someone’s reputation)
Related Words or Phrases
- Murder
- Homicide
- Infanticide
Collocations
- Assassination plot
- Assassination attempt
- Assassination of a foreign leader
Frequency of Use
The term ‘assassination’ is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but it’s commonly used in news headlines, fictional stories, and discussions about politics and crime.
Common Misspellings
- Assasination
- Assasinination
- Assassinate