assassination-n; 2 Senses

Sense Number 1: the purposeful maligning of the reputation of a public figure

Commentary: ASSASSINATION[+human][+public_figure][+character]

Examples:
A character assassination is easier to commit than a physical assault.
The Senate has been debased to the level of a forum of hate and character assassination.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: the purposeful killing of a public figure, often for ideological reasons

Commentary: ASSASSINATION[+event][+human][+public_figure][+purposeful_killing] (
NOTE: most examples can be read as nominal or verbal, proving the noun's eventive nature.)

Examples:
The assassination by hamas was executed successfully.
Assassination has never changed the history of the world.
Demoralize the enemy...by surprise, terror, sabotage, assassination.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2