German word

Attentat

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈatn̩ˌtaːt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounassassination attempt

Example

Das Attentat auf den Politiker scheiterte.

The assassination attempt on the politician failed.

Illustration for Attentat (assassination attempt)

More examples

Bei dem Attentat wurden mehrere Passanten verletzt.

Several passers-by were injured in the assassination attempt.

Core concept

A deliberate attack focused on one person, with the intended outcome of killing or seriously injuring that person, whether or not it succeeds.

Common phrases

  • ein Attentat verüben

    carry out an assassination attempt

  • das Attentat auf den Politiker

    the assassination attempt on the politician

  • Opfer eines Attentats

    victim of an assassination attempt

Similar words

Mord: The intentional taking of another person's life.
Anschlag: A harmful attack aimed at public buildings, facilities, or places where people gather.
Terror: The deliberate spread of fear to advance political goals and destabilize society.

Definition in German

Ein gezielter Angriff gegen eine Person mit dem Ziel, sie zu töten oder schwer zu verletzen, häufig politisch motiviert.

Word origin

The noun entered German from French attentat, which developed from Latin attentare, an earlier verb meaning to attempt or assail.

Usage tips

  • The related word Anschlag has a broader range and can name attacks on places or infrastructure, while Attentat normally centers on an individual target.

Other meanings

  • attacknoun

Related words

  • Attentäterassassinnoun
  • Attentatserieseries of assassination attemptsnoun

Word lists with this word