living will

American  

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.

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living will British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of living will

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Rana's case had sparked a debate in India around the ethics of court-approved passive euthanasia, with some noting that it goes against the principle of self-determination, which is the foundation of a living will.

From BBC

But I was on point with let’s go get a living will and trust.

From Los Angeles Times

If the prime minister does secure a majority, the stagnant wages, the weak yen and cost of living will be her most immediate and biggest challenges.

From BBC

Solo agers and older adults who are in a relationship but don’t have kids are much less likely than other people their age to have power-of-attorney documents, medical directives, living wills and wills or trusts.

From MarketWatch

A living will or living trust can also provide additional instructions for how you wish your estate to be handled after your death.

From MarketWatch