English · Word Candidate

assassin

/əˈsæsɪn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: assassins · assassining · assassined

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Someone who intentionally kills a person, especially a professional who kills a public or political figure.

Noun

Examples

The hand that held the bond of so many jarring interests lay powerless beneath the pall. The perils of war had been about him, and the midnight assassin had watched his path; yet he died quietly in his bed.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any ruthless killer.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To assassinate.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “assassin” mean?

Someone who intentionally kills a person, especially a professional who kills a public or political figure.

Is “assassin” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.