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asesinar

to assassinate, to murder

verb ah-seh-see-NAHR Less Common
People & Society Crime

Origin: From Arabic hashshāshīn (hashish users), the medieval sect known for political killings, via Spanish asesino.

Usage Note

Asesinar implies premeditated killing; the broader term matar means simply 'to kill' without implying intent. The noun asesinato is 'murder' or 'assassination', and asesino/asesina is 'murderer'. In journalism, the verb is typically used for killings of public figures or in criminal contexts.

Examples

"El líder político fue asesinado en un atentado."

Natural Translation

The political leader was assassinated in an attack.

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