Assassinate versus Slain

[Aslan]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #114 "Synonyms for kill and murder", question 6

The president of the country was ......... because nobody liked his hostile politics.

(a) killed
(b) ruined
(c) slain
(d) assassinated

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #114 "Synonyms for kill and murder", answer 6

The president of the country was assassinated because nobody liked his hostile politics.

Correct answer: (d) assassinated

Your answer was: incorrect
The president of the country was slain because nobody liked his hostile politics.
_________________________

Why not slain?

Aslan

[Mister Micawber]

.
Assassinate is the appropriate collocation for politically motivated ('nobody liked his politics') killing of a public figure ('the president').
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber