assassinate
verb
as·sas·si·nate
ə-ˈsa-sə-ˌnāt 
assassinated; assassinating
1
: to murder (a usually prominent person) by sudden or secret attack often for political reasons
a plot to assassinate the governor
2
: to injure or destroy unexpectedly and treacherously
assassinate a man's character
Examples of assassinate in a Sentence
They discovered a secret plot to assassinate the governor.
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.
Recent Examples on the Web
Later that evening, Lennon was assassinated outside of his apartment building, rendering the interview his final words spoken on the record.
—
Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 15 May 2026
The country’s recent bombardment of Lebanon, killing thousands in response to Hezbollah strikes launched after joint US-Israeli strikes assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also drawn widespread condemnation internationally.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
After his handler is assassinated, a smuggler makes a run for his life with his baby daughter, leaving his wife at the mercy of his militia.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Sara Duterte has recently been impeached by the House of Representatives, which is dominated by the allies of Marcos, over accusations that included unexplained wealth and threats to have the president assassinated if she herself were killed amid their political disputes.
—Joeal Calupitan, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for assassinate
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Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 15 May 2026
The country’s recent bombardment of Lebanon, killing thousands in response to Hezbollah strikes launched after joint US-Israeli strikes assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also drawn widespread condemnation internationally.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
After his handler is assassinated, a smuggler makes a run for his life with his baby daughter, leaving his wife at the mercy of his militia.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Sara Duterte has recently been impeached by the House of Representatives, which is dominated by the allies of Marcos, over accusations that included unexplained wealth and threats to have the president assassinated if she herself were killed amid their political disputes.
—Joeal Calupitan, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for assassinate
Cite this Entry
“Assassinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assassinate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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assassinate
verb
as·sas·si·nate
ə-ˈsas-ᵊn-ˌāt
assassinated; assassinating
: to murder a usually important person by a surprise or secret attack
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