euthanasia
/,ju:θə'neizjə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- the act of killing someone painlessly (especially someone suffering from an incurable illness)