1. (

• assassinate

) murder; especially of socially prominent persons; "Anwar Sadat was assassinated because many people did not like his peace politics with Israel" ;

2. (

• assassinate

) destroy or damage seriously, as of someone's reputation; "He assassinated his enemy's character" ;

1. (

• assassinated

) murdered by surprise attack for political reasons; "the 20th century has seen too many assassinated leaders" ;