euthanasia

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

/ ˌyu θəˈneɪ ʒə, -ʒi ə, -zi ə /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR euthanasia ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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.

painless death.

Nearby words

Origin of euthanasia

1640–50; < New Latin < Greek euthanasía an easy death, equivalent to eu- eu- + thánat(os) death + -ia -y³

Related formseu·tha·na·si·ast

[yoo-thuh-ney-zee-ast] /ˌyu θəˈneɪ ziˌæst/, nouneu·tha·na·sic

[yoo-thuh-ney-zik] /ˌyu θəˈneɪ zɪk/, adjectivepro·eu·tha·na·sia, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for euthanasia

In its own press release, the clinic says: “The figures over 2013 show a strong growth of euthanasia in these groups.”
The Dutch Debate Doctor-Assisted Suicide For Depression|Nadette De Visser|February 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Just a few weeks ago, Belgium broadened its existing law to include the possibility of euthanasia for children of all ages.
The Dutch Debate Doctor-Assisted Suicide For Depression|Nadette De Visser|February 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Last year 749 people came to the Life-Ending Clinic with a euthanasia request, of which 133 were granted.
The Dutch Debate Doctor-Assisted Suicide For Depression|Nadette De Visser|February 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Particularly disturbing, however, is that the reasoning behind this cult of euthanasia is thoroughly sound.
Preventing Suffering Through Promoting Death|Ryan Prior|April 5, 2012|DAILY BEAST

They define "no-kill" as a euthanasia rate of not more than 10 per cent.
PETA Kills Bunnies (Updated with PETA Response)|Ryan Prior|March 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The motion that bore us in daring circles produced a euthanasia of mind and an exaltation of soul.
The Goddess of Atvatabar|William R. Bradshaw
But the very motive which restrains from suicide, prompts to euthanasia.
My Path to Atheism|Annie Besant
Euthanasia is an interference with the course of nature, and is therefore an act of rebellion against God.
My Path to Atheism|Annie Besant
Priestley, however, seems to have regarded such a death as a form of euthanasia.
Benjamin Franklin; Self-Revealed, Volume II (of 2)|Wiliam Cabell Bruce
Euthanasia is the sequel of health, the happy death engrafted on the perfect life.
Little Masterpieces of Science: Health and Healing|Various

British Dictionary definitions for euthanasia

euthanasia

/ (ˌjuːθəˈneɪzɪə) /

noun

the act of killing someone painlessly, esp to relieve suffering from an incurable illnessAlso called: mercy killing

Word Origin for euthanasia

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for euthanasia

euthanasia

c.1600, from Greek euthanasia "an easy or happy death," from eu- "good" (see eu-) + thanatos "death" (see thanatology). Sense of "legally sanctioned mercy killing" is first recorded in English 1869.

Medicine definitions for euthanasia

euthanasia

[ yōō′thə-nā′zhə ]

n.

The act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition, as by lethal injection or the suspension of extraordinary medical treatment.

A quiet, painless death.

Science definitions for euthanasia

euthanasia

[ yōō′thə-nā′zhə ]

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.

Culture definitions for euthanasia

euthanasia

[ (yooh-thuh-nay-zhuh) ]

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

Note

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