asesino
“asesino” means “murderer” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
murderer, killer
Also: assassin
📝 In Action
La policía atrapó al asesino después de una larga investigación.
B1The police caught the murderer after a long investigation.
La novela cuenta la historia de un asesino a sueldo.
B2The novel tells the story of a contract killer (hitman).
Se cree que es un asesino en serie.
B2It is believed that he is a serial killer.
murderous
Also: killer, deadly
📝 In Action
El boxeador tiene un instinto asesino en el ring.
B2The boxer has a killer instinct in the ring.
Me lanzó una mirada asesina cuando derramé el café.
C1She shot me a murderous look when I spilled the coffee.
El gas tiene un efecto asesino si se inhala.
C1The gas has a deadly effect if inhaled.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "asesino" in Spanish:
assassin→assassinated→deadly→killer→murdered→murderer→murderous→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: asesino
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'asesino' as an adjective (a describing word)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word has a fascinating history! It comes from the Arabic word 'ḥaššāšīn' (حشاشين), which means 'hashish users'. This was the name given to a secretive medieval sect in Persia and Syria known for carrying out targeted killings. The name traveled through European languages and eventually became 'asesino' in Spanish.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'asesino' and 'homicida'?
Great question! They are very similar. 'Asesino' is the more common, everyday word for 'murderer'. 'Homicida' is a more legal or technical term, meaning 'one who commits homicide'. While an 'asesino' is always an 'homicida', 'homicida' can sometimes include cases that aren't premeditated murder, like manslaughter. For everyday conversation, 'asesino' is usually the word you'll hear.
Is there a verb form?
Yes! The verb is 'asesinar', which means 'to murder' or 'to assassinate'. For example, 'El villano planea asesinar al rey' (The villain plans to murder the king).