eugenics

[ yoo-jen-iks ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. the study of or belief in the possibility of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population, especially by such means as discouraging reproduction by people presumed to have inheritable undesirable traits negative eugenics or encouraging reproduction by people presumed to have inheritable desirable traits positive eugenics.

eugenics

/ ˈjuːdʒənɪst; juːˈdʒɛnɪks /

noun

1. functioning as singular the study of methods of improving the quality of the human race, esp by selective breeding

eugenics

1. The idea that one can improve the human race by careful selection of those who mate and produce offspring.

Notes

Eugenics was a popular theory in the early twentieth century but is no longer taken seriously, primarily because of the horrors of the eugenic efforts of the Nazi regime in Germany .

Derived Forms

• euˈgenic, adjective
• eugenist, nounadjective
• euˈgenically, adverb
• euˈgenicist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of eugenics¹

First recorded in 1880–85; eugenic, -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of eugenics¹

C19: from Greek eugenēs well-born, from eu- + -genēs born; see -gen

Example Sentences

When Tanton blended ecology with eugenics and immigration, he was digging up the two-century-old principles of Thomas Malthus, who first theorized that human population growth would lead to poverty and suffering.

From Salon

That "Low IQ" claim is a favorite, unsubtle dog whistle Trump often applies to Black people, following his lifelong obsession with the racist pseudoscience of eugenics.

From Salon

He's also been using one of his most tired insults for Black people and women: "low IQ," which is rooted in his lifelong obsession with the racist pseudo-science of eugenics.

From Salon

It fits nicely with the history of eugenics and race science, which inform more modern works like “The Bell Curve.”

From Salon

In a throwback to early 20th-century eugenics and "race science," Trump has expressed pride in his "good German genes" and racial background.

From Salon