eugenic

[ yoo-jen-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to measures intended to produce a perceived improvement in the characteristics of the human species or a human population, especially through reproductive policy.
2. having inherited characteristics that are seen as favorable for the purpose of producing or reproducing perceived improvements in the human species or a human population. Compare dysgenic.

Other Word Forms

• eu·gen·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·eu·gen·ic adjective
• non·eu·gen·i·cal adjective
• non·eu·gen·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·eu·gen·ic adjective
• un·eu·gen·i·cal adjective
• un·eu·gen·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of eugenic¹

First recorded in 1880–85; from Greek eugen(ḗs) “wellborn” ( eu-, -gen ) + -ic

Example Sentences

What follows is a surreal adventure complete with harrowing eugenics experiments and lynchings, hair’s-breadth escapes and unlikely alliances.

From Los Angeles Times

Per the outlet, Elez's posts signaled support for a “eugenic immigration policy” and for repealing the Civil Rights Act in recent weeks.

From Salon

But there may be an even darker edge to this new affection for disease among Republicans: eugenics.

From Salon

She arrived in the German city in 1927, after a days-long journey by ship, and began pursuing her degree under the mentorship of Fischer, a celebrated professor of anthropology and eugenics.

From BBC

Quilligan continues to be taught in universities and retold in academic books as a cautionary tale of eugenics and public health gone wrong, its plaintiffs hailed as reproductive-rights heroines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ancestral
• hereditary
• historical