Assassin

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /əˈsasɪn/
• Rhymes: -æsɪn

Origin

From French assassin or Italian assassino, from either Arabic حشاشين (ḥaššāšīn, "hashish users"), or أساسيون.

Full definition of assassin

Noun

1. (historical) A member of a Muslim militant group responsible for murdering Christian leaders during the Crusades.
• 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.29:The Assassines, a nation depending of PhÅ“nicia, are esteemed among the Mahometists of a soveraigne devotion and puritie of maners; they hold, that the readiest and shortest way to gaine Paradise, is to kill some one of a contrary religion ....
2. Someone who intentionally kills a person, especially a professional who kills a public or political figure.
• 2013-06-29, Travels and travails, Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.
3. Any ruthless killer.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Verb

1. (nonstandard) To assassinate.