euthanasia

[ yoo-thuh-ney-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh ]

noun

1. Also called mercy killing. the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, as by withholding extreme medical measures, a person or animal suffering from an incurable, especially a painful, disease or condition.
2. painless death.

euthanasia

/ ˌjuːθəˈneɪzɪə /

noun

1. the act of killing someone painlessly, esp to relieve suffering from an incurable illness Also calledmercy killing

euthanasia

/ yo̅o̅′thə-nā′zhə /

1. The act or practice of painlessly ending the life of an animal or a willing individual who has a terminal illness or incurable condition, as by giving a lethal drug.

euthanasia

1. Painlessly putting someone to death — usually someone with an incurable and painful disease; mercy killing.

Notes

Proposals to make euthanasia legal in the United States have inspired heated debate.

Other Words From

• eu·tha·na·si·ast [yoo-th, uh, -, ney, -zee-ast], noun
• eu·tha·na·sic [yoo-th, uh, -, ney, -zik], adjective
• proeu·tha·nasia adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of euthanasia¹

1640–50; < New Latin < Greek euthanasía an easy death, equivalent to eu- eu- + thánat ( os ) death + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of euthanasia¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek: easy death, from eu- + thanatos death

Example Sentences

The Netherlands, for example, has legalised assisted suicide and euthanasia.

From BBC

There are two types: voluntary euthanasia, where a patient consents; and non-voluntary, where they cannot because, for example, they are in a coma.

From BBC

Horses with EIA have that virus mostly for the rest of their life, meaning an interminable quarantine or euthanasia.

From Los Angeles Times

A prominent Hungarian campaigner who attempted to change the law on euthanasia, and shifted public opinion in the process, has died aged 47.

From BBC

Advocates say it provides an option not reliant on drugs or doctors, and that it expands access to euthanasia as the portable device can be 3D-printed and assembled at home.

From BBC

Related Words

• assisted dying