See Also: assassinate(1)(dictionary)
assassinate(2)(dictionary)
assassinate(dictionary)

assassinate(2) (iou)



assassinate verb trans. E17.
[medieval Latin assassinat- pa. ppl stem of assassinare, from assassinus: see ASSASSIN noun, -ATE3.]
Kill (esp. a public figure such as a political or religious leader) by treacherous violence; commit a planned murder of (freq. by a person hired or instructed to commit the act). E17.
M. Spark If the authorities wanted to get rid of her she would have to be assassinated. H. Kissinger Palestinian guerillas sought..to assassinate King Hussein, attacking his motorcade.
b. Attempt to murder. L17-E18.
fig. Destroy or injure maliciously. E17.
E. P. Whipple After his death they tried to assassinate his name.
assassinator noun a person who assassinates someone; an assassin: M17.