English Reference
noun

assassin

n.
US /əˈsæsən/ UK /ɐsˈæsɪn/ as·sas·sin UK spelling assassin's, assassin's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a person who kills a famous or important person, often for money or political reasons.

    a person who murders a prominent public or political figure, usually for hire or as part of a political conspiracy.

    Simple

    The police caught the assassin before he could reach the president's car.

    In context

    Historians still debate whether the assassin acted alone or was part of a larger network of political dissidents.

    hitmankillerslayer
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Informal

    someone who is very cold and determined when trying to defeat or hurt others.

    a person who acts with ruthless efficiency or coldness, often in a competitive or aggressive context.

    Simple

    In the boardroom, she was a total assassin who never let a deal fail.

    In context

    The striker was a clinical assassin in front of the goal, converting even the most difficult chances into points for his team.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency FormalTechnical Religion

    a member of a specific historical group of fighters from the Middle East.

    a member of the Nizari Ismaili sect during the Crusades, known for carrying out targeted killings of political enemies.

    Simple

    The book explains how the original Assassins lived in mountain fortresses.

    In context

    The term originates from the medieval Assassins, a secretive order that exerted significant political influence through strategic eliminations.

    nizari
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated