verb

assassinate

uh-SA-sih-nayt

verb

To murder someone, especially a prominent or political figure, typically in a planned or sudden attack.

"The president was assassinated during a public parade."

"Rebels plotted to assassinate the general."

To severely damage someone's reputation through slander or vicious criticism.

"The tabloid tried to assassinate her character with false rumors."

How to Use Assassinate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo murder a prominent person deliberately, or (figuratively) to destroy someone's reputation.

Common pairings

assassinate the president assassinate someone's character

assassinated past tense, assassinates plural, assassinates singular

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The president was _____ during a public parade.

From assassin plus the suffix -ate, following the pattern of French assassiner.

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate