verb
liquidate
To kill someone, especially for political or criminal reasons.
In the novel, the dictator liquidates anyone who challenges him.
Etymology
The ordinary financial verb means to settle or clear away an obligation. The violent sense euphemistically transfers clearing away to eliminating people by killing them.
More examples
- The gang liquidated a witness before he could testify.
- She fears the regime will liquidate its imprisoned opponents.
- The spy discovers a plot to liquidate him.
Forms
liquidate · liquidates · liquidated · liquidating
Similar words
- assassinate
- Usually targets a prominent person for political reasons.
- murder
- Means killing unlawfully, without implying a political motive.