assassination
noun
as·sas·si·na·tion
ə-ˌsa-sə-ˈnā-shən 
plural assassinations
1
: murder by sudden or secret attack often for political reasons : the act or an instance of assassinating someone (such as a prominent political leader)
the assassination of Abraham Lincoln
an assassination attempt
In medieval days, assassination by poisoning was common enough to alarm many a king, and protection was sought in the form of prayers, food tasters and science.—
The New York Times
The New York Times2
: treacherous destruction of a person's reputation
character assassination
Examples of assassination in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Security Service of Ukraine later claimed responsibility for the assassination.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 9 June 2026
The star also pointed out that their pendant necklace features famed British actress Laura Keene, who starred in the play Our American Cousin, which was attended by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater in Washington on the evening of his assassination.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
In 1984, following Operation Blue Star, the assassination of India's prime minister by her Sikh bodyguard triggered horrific mob violence that killed thousands of Sikhs across the country, pushing many more to flee.
—Akash Pamarthy, NPR, 6 June 2026
Her reputation was buried when Abraham’s former law partner, William Herndon, began spreading lies about her shortly after the assassination.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for assassination
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David Brennan, ABC News, 9 June 2026
The star also pointed out that their pendant necklace features famed British actress Laura Keene, who starred in the play Our American Cousin, which was attended by President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater in Washington on the evening of his assassination.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
In 1984, following Operation Blue Star, the assassination of India's prime minister by her Sikh bodyguard triggered horrific mob violence that killed thousands of Sikhs across the country, pushing many more to flee.
—Akash Pamarthy, NPR, 6 June 2026
Her reputation was buried when Abraham’s former law partner, William Herndon, began spreading lies about her shortly after the assassination.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for assassination
Cite this Entry
“Assassination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assassination. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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