Assassination
| Part of a series on |
| Homicide |
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| Murder |
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Note: Varies by jurisdiction
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| Manslaughter |
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| Non-criminal homicide |
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Note: Varies by jurisdiction
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| Family |
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| Other |
Assassination is the willful killing, by a sudden or secret attack, of a person—especially if prominent or important.[1][2] It may be prompted by political, ideological, religious, financial, or military motives.[3]
Assassinations may be ordered by both individuals and organizations and carried out by their accomplices. Acts of assassination have been performed since ancient times. A person who carries out an assassination is called an assassin.[4]
- ^ "Definition of ASSASSINATION". Merriam-Webster. June 24, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
- ^ Putman, William H. (April 6, 2009). Legal Research, Analysis and Writing. Cengage Learning. ISBN 978-1-4283-0442-0.
- ^ "assassination, n.", Oxford English Dictionary (3 ed.), Oxford University Press, March 2, 2023, doi:10.1093/oed/5671820672, retrieved December 5, 2024
- ^ "Definition of ASSASSIN". www.merriam-webster.com. September 5, 2025. Retrieved September 11, 2025.