living will

noun

1. a document instructing physicians, relatives, or others to refrain from the use of extraordinary measures, as life-support equipment, to prolong one's life in the event of a terminal illness.

living will

noun

1. a document stating that if its author becomes terminally ill, his or her life should not be prolonged by artificial means, such as a life-support machine

Word History and Origins

Origin of living will¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

“Now that they will be in the forest their way of living will be different,” he said.

From Seattle Times

With seven months until the election, it is hard to foresee which way this swing county and its swing state will go, and how the cost of living will factor into votes.

From BBC

Skyrocketing inflation and the cost of living will be uppermost in voters' minds when they finally get a chance to cast their ballots.

From BBC

"Those living wills are not public, but it seems to use them would take a long time and risk spreading panic in the system", she said.

From Reuters

And 7 in 10 who are parents said they expect that their children’s standard of living will exceed their own.

From Los Angeles Times