euthanasia

noun

eu·tha·na·sia | \ ˌyü-thə-ˈnā-zh(ē-)ə

Definition of euthanasia

: the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (such as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy

Other Words from euthanasia Where does euthanasia come from? Example Sentences Learn More About euthanasia

Where does euthanasia come from?

Euthanasia is a mass noun (or noncount noun), that is, a noun used only in the singular form.

The word comes from the Greek euthanatos, which means “easy death.” In English, euthanasia has been used in exactly this sense since the early seventeenth century, when Francis Bacon described the phenomenon as “after the fashion and semblance of a kindly & pleasant sleepe.” Nowadays, the word usually refers to the means of attaining such a death.

Examples of euthanasia in a Sentence

a physician who refuses to practice euthanasia

Recent Examples on the Web According to the Henry Ford's Facebook, no humans were injured, however one Percheron horse was injured and required euthanasia. — Eve Sampson, Detroit Free Press, 10 July 2022 The animals all died or required euthanasia, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. — Fox News, 5 July 2022 Last weekend, Shaffer decided euthanasia was in order. — John Wilkens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2022 Having to see the animal injuries and illnesses that come through the door every day -- and the euthanasia that’s sometimes necessary -- takes an emotional toll. — oregonlive, 16 Sep. 2021 The prognosis was grim and Margittay opted for euthanasia. — Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 10 June 2022 One of their goals is to rescue dogs from county shelters that are at risk of euthanasia. — Allison Moses, USA TODAY, 19 May 2022 Special mention went to the Japanese director Chie Hayakawa for Plan 75, sci-fi documentary set in a future Japan where the government has decreed euthanasia for everyone over the age of 75. — Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 May 2022 If the panel of judges upholds the lower court’s ruling, the decision could be limited, only applying to her and creating no binding legal precedent for others seeking euthanasia in the country. — Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'euthanasia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near euthanasia

Euthamia

euthanasia

euthanize

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Last Updated

26 Jul 2022

Cite this Entry

“Euthanasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euthanasia. Accessed 31 Jul. 2022.

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More Definitions for euthanasia

euthanasia

noun

eu·tha·na·sia | \ ˌyü-thə-ˈnā-zh(ē-)ə

Medical Definition of euthanasia

: the act or practice of causing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (such as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy

— called also mercy killing

euthanasia

noun

eu·tha·na·sia | \ ˌyü-thə-ˈnā-zhə