Assassination is a term that has been used throughout history to describe the killing of a person, usually someone in a position of power or influence. The act of assassination has been carried out for various reasons, such as political, religious, or personal motives. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the word “assassinated.”
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word assassinated means “to murder (a usually prominent person) by sudden or secret attack often for political reasons.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to murder (a prominent person) by a surprise attack, usually for political or ideological reasons.”
Origin
The word “assassinated” comes from the Arabic word “hashshashin,” which means “users of hashish.” This term was used to refer to a group of Muslim fanatics who were known for their use of hashish before carrying out political assassinations. The word “assassination” was first used in English in the 16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of the word “assassinated” is relatively consistent across different dictionaries. It generally refers to the killing of a prominent person, often for political or ideological reasons. Some dictionaries may include additional information about the circumstances surrounding the assassination, such as the method used or the motives of the perpetrator.
Associations
The word “assassinated” is often associated with violent and politically motivated acts. It may also be associated with conspiracy theories and the idea of a shadowy figure or group carrying out secret operations. The term is often used in the context of historical events, such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy or the murder of Julius Caesar.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “assassinated” include “murdered,” “killed,” “executed,” “eliminated,” and “taken out.” These terms may be used interchangeably in certain contexts, but each has its own connotations and implications.
Antonyms
The antonyms of “assassinated” would be words that describe the opposite of killing or murdering someone, such as “spared,” “saved,” “protected,” or “rescued.”
The same root words
The root word of “assassinated” is “assassin,” which comes from the Arabic word “hashshashin.” Other words that share this root include “assassination,” “assailant,” and “assault.”
Example Sentences
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- The plot to assassinate the prime minister was foiled by the authorities.
- The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was a key event that led to World War I.
- The dictator ordered the assassination of his political rivals.
- The journalist was assassinated for her reporting on corruption in the government.