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living will

noun
|Updated on: 16 May 2018

Definition of living will

: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means if disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery — compare advance directive

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Recent Examples of living will from the Web

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

First Known Use of living will

1969

in the meaning defined above

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LIVING WILL Defined for English Language Learners

living will

noun

Definition of living will for English Language Learners

  • law : a document in which you say what medical decisions should be made if you become too sick or injured to make those decisions

Medical Dictionary

living will

noun

medical Definition of living will

: a document in which the signer requests to be allowed to die rather than be kept alive by artificial means in the event of becoming disabled beyond a reasonable expectation of recovery — see advance directive

Law Dictionary

living will

noun liv·ing will

legal Definition of living will

: a document in which the signer indicates preferences or directions for the administration and especially the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining medical treatment in the event of terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness — see also advance directive — compare health care power of attorney at power of attorney

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