: 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
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.
Example Sentences
a physician who refuses to practice euthanasia
Recent Examples on the WebAnd a local cat rescuer and advocate argues the shelter’s temperament test is resulting in needless euthanasia. Kolbie Peterson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 The Australian state of Victoria forbids doctors from raising euthanasia with patients. Maria Cheng, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Aug. 2022 Nevertheless, the episode, allied to the upcoming expansion of the laws governing euthanasia in Canada in 2023, raises serious questions. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 15 Aug. 2022 This single act by you will help reduce the stray and homeless pets on our streets and prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of animals for lack of homes. Cathy M. Rosenthal, San Antonio Express-News, 12 May 2022 When reporting the euthanasia, Norwegian officials referenced the public's unwillingness to keep away from the marine mammal. Andrea Vacchiano, Fox News, 15 Aug. 2022 Voluntary euthanasia—which is when a patient is administered deadly drugs upon his or her request—is not legal in the United States. Katharina Buchholz, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022 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 See More
Word History
Etymology
Greek, easy death, from euthanatos, from eu- + thanatos death — more at thanatos