assassinate
C1Formal, Literary, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
To murder (especially a prominent person) by sudden or secret attack, often for political or religious reasons.
To destroy or ruin (someone's reputation, character, or an idea) in a treacherous or underhanded way.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implotes premeditation, treachery, and a target of public importance. Often associated with political motives.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage identical; concept equally associated with historical and political discourse in both varieties.
Connotations
Strong connotations of conspiracy, political intrigue, and betrayal. In extended use, implies a deliberate, covert character attack.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation; higher in news, history, and political commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject: Person/Group] assassinate [Object: Person][Subject: Person/Group] assassinate [Object: Person] for [Reason: NP/V-ing]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “character assassination”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; used metaphorically for hostile takeovers or destroying a rival's career.
Academic
Common in historical, political science, and literary studies texts.
Everyday
Very rare for literal meaning; 'character assassination' is more common.
Technical
Used in security, intelligence, and political risk analysis.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The conspirators planned to assassinate the Prime Minister during the parade.
- His reputation was assassinated by a series of vicious rumours in the press.
American English
- The agency uncovered a plot to assassinate the senator.
- She felt her character had been assassinated in the online article.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The king was assassinated by his enemies.
- They tried to assassinate the politician.
- Historical records suggest several plots were formed to assassinate the Roman emperor.
- The journalist accused the government of attempting to assassinate her character.
- The regime's critics were systematically silenced, with dissident leaders being assassinated under mysterious circumstances.
- His thesis was assassinated by the peer review panel, which pointed out fatal flaws in his methodology.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ass' + 'ass' + 'in' + 'ate' – imagine two foolish (ass) traitors sneaking IN to ATE (kill) a leader.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL OPPOSITION IS WAR (eliminating the opposition leader); DESTROYING REPUTATION IS MURDER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'assassinate' (убить, совершить покушение) and 'assassin' (убийца, наёмный убийца). The Russian 'ассасин' is a historical loanword, not a common synonym for 'киллер'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for any murder (it requires a prominent victim and political/ideological motive).
- Confusing 'assassinate' (verb) with 'assassin' (noun).
- Misspelling with one 's'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'assassinate' correctly in its extended, metaphorical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Murder' is the general term for unlawful killing. 'Assassinate' specifically refers to the murder of a prominent person, typically for political or ideological reasons, and implies premeditation and treachery.
Yes, in a figurative sense. The phrase 'character assassination' means maliciously destroying someone's reputation. You can also say a policy, idea, or reputation was 'assassinated' (i.e., utterly destroyed in a calculated way).
Not necessarily. While often depicted as a professional or hired killer, an assassin can be any person who carries out an assassination, including a fanatic or a conspirator.
The main noun is 'assassination' (the act of assassinating). The person who commits it is an 'assassin'.