Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of intentionally ending a person's life to relieve suffering: This refers specifically to the practice of painlessly killing a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The debate on the legalization of euthanasia is complex and emotionally charged.
  • Some countries allow physician-assisted euthanasia under strict regulations.
  • Her advanced directive specified a wish for euthanasia if her condition became terminal and unbearable.

Advanced Usage

• "Voluntary euthanasia": When a person consciously and explicitly requests assistance to end their life.
  • The law permits voluntary euthanasia for terminally ill adults.
• "Passive euthanasia": The act of allowing a patient to die by withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment.
  • The family opted for passive euthanasia by discontinuing the ventilator.
• "Involuntary euthanasia": Ending a life without the explicit consent of the patient, often considered unethical and illegal.
  • Involuntary euthanasia, performed against a patient's will, is widely condemned.

Variants and Related Words

• Euthanize (verb): To carry out euthanasia on a person or animal.
  • The veterinarian had to euthanize the severely injured dog.
• Euthanistic (adjective): Pertaining to or characterized by euthanasia (less common).
  • The discussion focused on euthanistic policies.

Synonyms

• Mercy killing: An alternative term for euthanasia, emphasizing the relief of suffering.
• Assisted dying: A broader term that can include both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.

Related Phrases

• "Right to die": A concept based on the belief that a person has a right to end their own life or to undergo euthanasia.
  • The "right to die" movement advocates for legal access to euthanasia.
• "Death with dignity": A phrase often used synonymously with euthanasia or assisted dying, emphasizing a peaceful and controlled end to life.
  • She chose death with dignity through a legal euthanasia procedure.

Noun

1. the act of killing someone painlessly (especially someone suffering from an incurable illness)