"infamous" = famous

[Jan Kammert]

If this is true, then is there a word to replace the meaning I understand
for infamous (famous for doing bad)?

My 8th grade students seem to think that assassination means any murder,
especially a murder for hire.  If that's true, is there a new word that
means killing someone who is politically important?  I hope the English
language doesn't lose important meanings as old words take on broader
meanings.
Jan


On Sat, 19 Feb 2005, Jonathan Lighter wrote:

> Becoming endemic but not in OED, "infamous" as "well-known; famous" :
>
> http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0700world/tm_objectid=15204502&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=futuristic-makeover-for-bugs-bunny-and-co-name_page.html
>
> "Carrot-chomping Bugs Bunny is joined by animated favourites Daffy Duck, Wile E Coyote, the Tasmanian Devil, Road Runner and Lola Bunny.
>
> "However, hardcore fans are in for a shock - the trademark characteristics will be gone, as will their infamous names.
>
> "Bugs is set to be renamed Buzz Bunny, while Daffy Duck will sport a built-in sonar."
>
> "Futuristic makeover for Bugs Bunny and Co," icWales, the national website of Wales,(
> Feb. 18, 2005.
>
> (The story reported is itself worthy of infamy  - in the old sense.)
>
> JL
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