To murder someone, especially an important person, by a sudden or obscure attack, especially for ideological or political reasons.
(figuratively) To harm, ruin, or defame severely or destroy by treachery, slander, libel, or obscure attack.
He assassinated his rival's character.
noun
(obsolete) Assassination, murder.
Mor. Why? if I had made an assassinate upon your Father; vitiated your Mother: ravished your Sisters―
Tru. I would kill you, Sir, I would kill you, if you had.
Mor. Why? you do more in this, Sir: it were a vengeance centuple, for all facinorous Acts, that could be nam'd, to do that you do.