assassination
word
/əˌsæsəˈneɪʃən/
uh-sas-uh-NAY-shuhn
/ɐsˌæsɪnˈeɪʃən/
uh-sas-uh-NAY-shuhn
Definition
The act of killing a famous or important person, usually for political reasons.
Usage & Nuances
Used mainly for killings with political, religious, or ideological motives. Not for ordinary murders. Often follows 'the assassination of' plus a person's name. Formal context; avoid using for general crimes.
Spanish: asesinato (político) - magnicidioPortuguese (BR): assassinato (político) - atentadoPortuguese (PT): assassinato (político) - magnicídioChinese (Simplified): 暗杀 - 刺杀Chinese (Traditional): 暗殺 - 刺殺Hindi: हत्याकांड (राजनीतिक हत्या)Arabic: اغتيالBengali: হত্যাকাণ্ড (রাজনৈতিক) - আততা্ইয়াRussian: убийство (политическое) - покушение (на высокопоставленного лица)Japanese: 暗殺Vietnamese: ám sátKorean: 암살Turkish: suikastUrdu: قتل (سیاسی) - سفاکانہ قتلIndonesian: pembunuhan (politik) - pembunuhan tokoh
Example Sentences
The police are still investigating the assassination.
basic
After the assassination, security was increased around government officials.
natural
Rumors about a possible assassination plot spread quickly through the city.
natural
The documentary takes a closer look at the motives behind the assassination.
natural
The assassination shocked the entire nation.
basic
Many books have been written about the assassination of the president.
basic