"act of assassinating," c. 1600, noun of action from assassinate (v.). Earlier was assassinment (1570s).
Entries linking to assassination
assassinate v.
1610s, from past participle stem of Medieval Latin assassinare (see assassin). "Assassinate means to kill wrongfully by surprise, suddenly, or by secret assault" [Century Dictionary]. Of reputations, characters, etc., from 1620s. Related: Assassinated; assassinating.