assassin
4 synonyms for assassin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who kills someone deliberately, especially a public or political figure, often for money or political reasons.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
hitman
assassinator
Etymology
Traced to Arabic terms linked to a medieval sect and, in popular legend, to hashish users — the word passed into English through French and Italian.
Full origin of assassin →Frequently asked questions
What does “assassin” mean?
The word “assassin” means a person who kills someone deliberately, especially a public or political figure, often for money or political reasons. In plain terms, someone who kills a person on purpose, especially a well-known or powerful target.
How do you pronounce “assassin”?
“Assassin” is pronounced uh-SA-sihn (/əˈsæsɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “assassin” in a sentence?
Here is “assassin” used in a sentence: “The assassin was hired to kill the senator.”
What part of speech is “assassin”?
“Assassin” is a noun.
Where does the word “assassin” come from?
The word “assassin” comes from French. Traced to Arabic terms linked to a medieval sect and, in popular legend, to hashish users — the word passed into English through French and Italian.
Is “assassin” a common word?
“Assassin” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between an assassin and a murderer?
An assassin specifically kills a public or political figure deliberately, often for money or political reasons, while a murderer is a broader term for anyone who kills someone unlawfully. The distinction lies in the assassin's targeted, often ideologically or financially motivated act against a prominent figure.
Why are assassins often associated with political killings?
Assassins are defined by deliberately killing someone, especially a public or political figure, often for money or political reasons. This motivation ties the term closely to politically significant killings rather than random or personal violence.
Is the term assassin used only for hired killers?
No, while assassins are often motivated by money, the definition also includes those acting for political reasons, so it isn't limited to hired killers. The common thread is the deliberate killing of a public or political figure.
