Assassination Moderate

an attack intended to ruin someone's reputation

"The public relations team worked tirelessly to stop the rumors that amounted to nothing more than a subtle assassination of his professional credibility."

murder of a public figure by surprise attack

"The sudden assassination of the popular mayor shocked the entire city when gunmen opened fire on his campaign rally."

The murder of a person, especially for political reasons or for personal gain.

"The sudden silence after the news confirmed that the prime minister had been the victim of an assassination shocked the entire nation."