assassini

Assassini is the Italian plural noun meaning “assassins.” In Italian, assassino is the singular; assassini refers to multiple assassins. The term is used in everyday language and in historical, political, and literary contexts to describe individuals who kill for political or ideological motives.

Etymology and history: The Italian term traces its roots to the Arabic hashshashin, a name given by opponents to a medieval Isma’ili group active in the 11th to 13th centuries. In Europe, the word entered via Latin and Romance languages and contributed to the English word assassin. The historical Hashshashin, or Nizari Ismailis, established fortresses in Iran and Syria, notably around Alamut, and used targeted killings to influence political events. They remained active until the Mongol invasions in the 13th century.

In Italian usage: The word is used for individual killers and for groups described as professional or political murderers. It also appears in Italian-language media as a title or descriptor for works featuring espionage or clandestine violence; the plural form “Assassini” is commonly seen in book and film titles.

See also: Assassin, Hashshashin, Hassan-i Sabbah.