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 rep [..]

to murder someone of political importance.

murder; especially of socially prominent persons; "Anwar Sadat was assassinated because many people did not like his peace politics with Israel" destroy or damage seriously, [..]

v. To kill, as by surprise or secret assault, especially the killing of some eminent person.

kill violently and secretly.

Formerly used to refer to refer to murders of well-known political figures; now more commonly used to refer to Israeli killings of terrorists.

(v) murder; especially of socially prominent persons(v) destroy or damage seriously, as of someone's reputation

To murder someone, especially an important person, by a sudden or obscure attack, especially for ideological or political reasons. from 17th c. * Flr Mntgn Essays, II.29: *: The Assassines, a nati [..]