The spelling of the term hired assassins can be broken down phonetically as follows: /haɪrd əˈsæsənz/. The first syllable, "hired," is pronounced with the long "i" sound and the second syllable, "assassins," is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by a long "u" sound. This word refers to individuals who are paid to carry out a murder or assassination, typically for political or criminal reasons. It is important to note that hiring an assassin is illegal in most countries.
Hired assassins, also known as contract killers or hitmen, refer to individuals who are professionally employed to carry out acts of murder or assassination in exchange for payment or remuneration. These individuals are contracted by clients who wish to eliminate a specific target, often for personal, financial, or political reasons.
Hired assassins are typically chosen for their proficiency in executing covert operations and carrying out murders with minimal risk of getting caught or leaving traces behind. They are known to apply various strategies, including meticulous planning, surveillance, and the use of specialized weapons, to accomplish their objective and achieve their client's desired outcome. These individuals often operate in secrecy, maintaining anonymity and avoiding any direct connection to the client or the crime itself.
The motivation behind hiring assassins can vary greatly, ranging from personal vendettas, business rivalries, to organized crime activities. Due to their clandestine nature, the use of hired assassins is generally illegal in most jurisdictions worldwide, and both the client and assassin can face severe legal consequences if caught and convicted. Law enforcement agencies employ various measures to track and apprehend individuals involved in such criminal activities.
The portrayal of hired assassins in popular culture, such as movies, novels, and video games, has often been sensationalized, contributing to an infamous perception of these individuals as mysterious, highly skilled, and dangerous. However, in reality, hired assassins represent a dark and criminal part of society, engaging in lethal activities that defy moral, ethical, and legal norms.
The word "hired assassins" combines two separate words with distinct origins: "hired" and "assassins".
1. "Hired":
The word "hired" comes from the Old English word "hȳrian", which means to "lease or rent". It derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*hurjanan", meaning "to procure" or "to get hire". The term eventually evolved to refer to individuals who are paid for their services, particularly in terms of employment. In the context of "hired assassins", it implies individuals who have been employed or contracted to carry out assassinations.
2. "Assassins":
The term "assassins" has a more specific historical origin.