As·sas·sin·ate v. t. [imp. & p. p. Assassinated p. pr. & vb. n. Assassinating ]
1. To kill by surprise or secret assault; to murder by treacherous violence.
Help, neighbors, my house is broken open by force, and I am ravished, and like to be assassinated. --Dryden.
2. To assail with murderous intent; hence, by extended meaning, to maltreat exceedingly. [Archaic]
Your rhymes assassinate our fame. --Dryden.
Such usage as your honorable lords
Afford me, assassinated and betrayed. --Milton.
Syn: -- To kill; murder; slay. See Kill.