Classification – Odd one out (meaning): Which word is unlike the others in meaning: Assassinate, Kill, Kidnap, Murder?

Introduction / Context:
Verbal classification by meaning requires identifying shared semantic cores. Here, three words relate to causing death; one relates to unlawful capture without necessarily causing death. Recognizing the core action differentiates the outlier cleanly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Assassinate: kill a prominent/targeted person, typically for political/ideological motives.
• Kill: cause death (generic term).
• Kidnap: seize and confine a person unlawfully, usually for ransom or coercion; death is not entailed.
• Murder: unlawful, intentional killing with malice aforethought.

Concept / Approach:
Group by the core verb result. “Assassinate,” “Kill,” and “Murder” explicitly denote causing death. “Kidnap” denotes abduction/detention—no death involved by definition. Therefore, “Kidnap” is semantically distinct.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify whether “death” is a necessary outcome in the word’s meaning.Assassinate – yes; Kill – yes; Murder – yes; Kidnap – no.Hence, Kidnap is unlike the others.

Verification / Alternative check:
Replace each term in sample sentences about “causing death.” Three will fit naturally; “kidnap” will require a separate construction about abduction, confirming the mismatch.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Assassinate, Kill, Murder: all are lethal acts.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “violent crime” with “lethal crime.” Not all violent acts imply death; “kidnap” is non-lethal by definition (though it may accompany other crimes).

Final Answer:
Kidnap