Euthanasia — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌyü-thə-ˈnā-zh(ē-)ə/ eu·tha·na·sia

Meaning & Definition of Euthanasia

Euthanasia (noun)

  1. 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 (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or practice of ending the life of someone who is very sick or injured in order to prevent any more suffering

    "a physician who refuses to practice euthanasia"

    similar: assisted suicide, mercy killing, physician-assisted suicide, blood, foul play, homicide, murder, rubout, slaying, chance-medley, killing, manslaughter, bloodshed, butchery, carnage, decimation, destruction, massacre, slaughter, assassination, execution, hit, filicide, fratricide, matricide, parricide, patricide, regicide, uxoricide

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Euthanasia

The most common words with a similar meaning to Euthanasia:

assisted suicide, mercy killing, physician-assisted suicide, blood, foul play, homicide, murder, rubout, slaying, chance-medley, killing, manslaughter, bloodshed, butchery, carnage, decimation, destruction, massacre, slaughter, assassination, execution, hit, filicide, fratricide, matricide, parricide, patricide, regicide, uxoricide

Word Forms of Euthanasia

Derived words: euthanasic (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Euthanasia

Greek, easy death, from euthanatos, from eu- + thanatos death thanatos

First known use: 1605

Frequently Asked Questions about Euthanasia

What does "Euthanasia" mean?

"Euthanasia" means 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. As a noun, it is defined as: 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.

What is another word for "Euthanasia"?

Other words for "Euthanasia" include assisted suicide, mercy killing, physician-assisted suicide, blood, foul play, homicide, murder and rubout. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Euthanasia" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Euthanasia"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Euthanasia". Common alternatives include assisted suicide, mercy killing, physician-assisted suicide, blood, foul play, homicide, murder, rubout, slaying and chance-medley.

How do you use "Euthanasia" in a sentence?

Examples of "Euthanasia" in a sentence: "a physician who refuses to practice euthanasia".

Is "Euthanasia" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Euthanasia" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Euthanasia"?

"Euthanasia" is pronounced /ˌyü-thə-ˈnā-zh(ē-)ə/ and divided into syllables as eu·tha·na·sia.

What is the origin of the word "Euthanasia"?

"Euthanasia" comes from Greek, easy death, from euthanatos, from eu- + thanatos death thanatos. First known use: 1605.

What is another word for "Euthanasia" meaning "the act or practice of ending the life of someone who is very sick or injured in order to prevent any more suffering"?

When "Euthanasia" (noun) means the act or practice of ending the life of someone who is very sick or injured in order to prevent any more suffering, synonyms include assisted suicide, mercy killing, physician-assisted suicide, blood, foul play and homicide.