assassin meaning and definition

ASSASSIN noun

Definition of assassin (noun)

1. a murderer (especially one who kills a prominent political figure) who kills by a surprise attack and often is hired to do the deed
   • "his assassins were hunted down like animals"; "assassinators of kings and emperors"
   • synonyms: assassinator, bravo
2. a member of a secret order of Muslims (founded in the 12th century) who terrorized and killed Christian Crusaders