ASSASSINATION Meaning and
Definition
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Assassination is a noun that refers to the act of intentionally killing a prominent or important person, typically for political, ideological, or personal reasons. It involves the deliberate targeting and elimination of individuals who hold positions of power, influence, or significance within a society or organization, often with the goal of destabilizing or altering political, social, or economic circumstances. This term is commonly associated with acts of violence carried out against leaders, public figures, or individuals who symbolize certain values or ideologies.
Assassination differs from murder in that it usually involves the killing of an individual who holds a specific status or position, aiming to achieve broader objectives beyond personal motives. The act is often premeditated, carefully planned, and executed by individuals or groups whose motivations can range from political gain, revenge, or religious fervor to fanaticism or desire for notoriety.
Throughout history, assassinations have been used as a tool to affect change, instill fear, or exert control over populations. They have had significant impacts on the course of human events, ranging from shaping political landscapes to triggering conflicts or revolutions. Assassinations are generally regarded as illegal and morally reprehensible acts that violate fundamental principles of human rights, peace, and stability.
The term "assassination" derives from the Arabic word "hashshashin," which referred to a secretive, religious order known for conducting political killings during the Middle Ages.
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The act of murdering by secret violence or by surprise.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ASSASSINATION *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ASSASSINATION
Etymology of ASSASSINATION
The word "assassination" originated from the Latin term "assassinātus", which is derived from the verb "assassinare". This Latin term evolved from Arabic origins during the Middle Ages. The original Arabic word is "hashshashin", which referred to a secretive group of Nizari Ismailis, a sect of Shia Islam, active during the 11th to 13th centuries. They were known for their political assassinations and covert operations against their enemies. The Arabic term "hashshashin" translates to "users of hashish", possibly indicating that the group used methods to induce an altered state of consciousness before carrying out their acts. Over time, "hashshashin" transformed into "assassin" in various European languages, and "assassination" emerged as a noun derived from that term.
Idioms with the word ASSASSINATION
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character assassination
The definition of the idiom "character assassination" refers to a deliberate, malicious, and often unsubstantiated attempt to damage or destroy someone's reputation, credibility, or integrity. It involves spreading false or damaging information about a person or exaggerating their flaws or wrongdoings in order to harm their public image or personal standing.
Similar spelling words for ASSASSINATION
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