assassinate

assassinate
    v 1: murder; especially of socially prominent persons; "Anwar
         Sadat was assassinated because many people did not like his
         peace politics with Israel"
    2: destroy or damage seriously, as of someone's reputation; "He
       assassinated his enemy's character"
    

Assassinate \As*sas"sin*ate\, n. [F. assassinat.]
   1. An assassination, murder, or murderous assault. [Obs.]
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            If I had made an assassinate upon your father. --B.
                                                  Jonson.
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   2. An assassin. [Obs.] --Dryden.
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Assassinate \As*sas"sin*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   {Assassinated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Assassinating}.] [LL.
   assassinatus, p. p. of assassinare.]
   1. To kill by surprise or secret assault; to murder by
      treacherous violence.
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            Help, neighbors, my house is broken open by force,
            and I am ravished, and like to be assassinated.
                                                  --Dryden.
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   2. To assail with murderous intent; hence, by extended
      meaning, to maltreat exceedingly. [Archaic]
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            Your rhymes assassinate our fame.     --Dryden.
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            Such usage as your honorable lords
            Afford me, assassinated and betrayed. --Milton.
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   Syn: To kill; murder; slay. See {Kill}.
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