A high-quality, simple storybook illustration of an empty, spotlighted stage in a grand hall. A tall wooden podium is knocked slightly askew, and a single, pristine black top hat lies abandoned on the red carpet next to it, symbolizing the sudden, violent removal of a public figure.

asesinato

/a-se-si-NA-to/

NounmB2

murder?the act of unlawfully killing someone with premeditation,assassination?the murder of a prominent public figure

Also:killing?a more general, but still violent, term

📝 In Action

El asesinato del político provocó una crisis nacional.

The assassination of the politician caused a national crisis.

La policía está investigando el brutal asesinato.

The police are investigating the brutal murder.

Fue condenado por intento de asesinato.

He was convicted of attempted murder.

Word Connections

Synonyms

homicidio (homicide)

Common Collocations

cometer un asesinato – to commit a murder
intento de asesinato – attempted murder
escena del asesinato – murder scene
arma del asesinato – murder weapon

💡 Grammar Points

Always Masculine

Like most Spanish nouns that end in '-o', 'asesinato' is masculine. This means you'll always use masculine words like 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el asesinato', 'un asesinato'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

'Asesinato' vs. 'Homicidio'

Mistake: "Using 'asesinato' for any and every killing."

Correction: In legal terms, 'asesinato' implies premeditation or taking advantage of the victim's defenselessness (it's a planned or particularly cruel murder). 'Homicidio' is the general term for killing another person (homicide), which may or may not be planned.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

You'll most often hear or read 'asesinato' in serious contexts like the news, legal proceedings, or crime dramas. For a political or famous figure, it's almost always the right word ('assassination').

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: asesinato

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'asesinato' most appropriately?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

asesinar(to assassinate/murder) - verb

asesino(assassin/murderer (male)) - noun

asesina(assassin/murderer (female)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'asesinato', 'homicidio', and 'muerte'?

'Muerte' is the general word for 'death' from any cause (illness, accident, etc.). 'Homicidio' is the legal term for one person killing another ('homicide'). 'Asesinato' is a specific, more severe type of 'homicidio' that involves planning or cruelty ('murder/assassination'). Think of it like this: all 'asesinatos' are 'homicidios', but not all 'homicidios' are 'asesinatos'.