Planned murders of important political leaders or famous people, usually for political reasons.
From Arabic 'hashashin' (users of hashish), referring to a medieval Muslim sect known for targeted killings. The word entered European languages through Crusaders' encounters with this group.
The word 'assassin' comes from a real historical group, the Hashashin, which influenced European history and language so much that their name became the word for all political murders—showing how one group's actions can reshape language forever.
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