1610s, from past participle stem of Medieval Latin assassinare (see assassin). "Assassinate means to kill wrongfully by surprise, suddenly, or by secret assault" [Century Dictionary]. Of reputations, characters, etc., from 1620s. Related: Assassinated; assassinating.
Anwar Sadat was assassinated because many people did not like his peace politics with Israel
He assassinated his enemy's character
asquint
ass
assail
assailant
assassin
assassinate
assassination
assault
assay
assemblage
assemble
