Word
assassinate
Phoneticsas·sas·si·nate, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈsæsəˌneɪt/
UK/ɐsˈæsɪnˌeɪt/
Definition
v. to murder a famous or important person, usually for political reasons.
v. to murder a prominent person, such as a political leader or public figure, by a sudden or secret attack. Often implies a premeditated act motivated by ideological or political goals.
Examples
“The group planned to assassinate the president during the parade.”
“Security forces were on high alert following reports of a plot to assassinate the visiting prime minister.”
“History changed forever when a lone gunman managed to assassinate the Archduke, triggering a chain of events that led directly to the outbreak of the First World War.”
Examples
simple
“The group planned to assassinate the president during the parade.”
contextual
“Security forces were on high alert following reports of a plot to assassinate the visiting prime minister.”
complex
“History changed forever when a lone gunman managed to assassinate the Archduke, triggering a chain of events that led directly to the outbreak of the First World War.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a person of high status.
Pitfall
The leader was assassinated by a car accident
The leader was killed in a car accident
Assassinate implies a deliberate, planned murder; it cannot be used for accidental deaths.
Real-World Examples
“Polish authorities arrested a man in 2024 in what they said was a plot to assassinate the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.” “Apparently he was detained at the Jacobean version of customs because officials thought he had smuggled in a “popish machine” with which to assassinate the King.” Etymology
From assassin + -ate, after Middle French assassiner.
From assassin + -ate (noun-forming suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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