euthanasia
noun
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Where does euthanasia come from?
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.
Examples of euthanasia in a Sentence
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
When asked whether euthanasia is a likely outcome, Colina said the animals will be held until the shelter is given further direction by Cincinnati police.
—Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 31 Dec. 2024
Peanut the squirrel and Fred the racoon have captivated people across the nation − and rallied those who find the animals' euthanasia at the hands of the government unjust.
—Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024
Through no fault of its own, the bear could become a target for euthanasia.
—Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for euthanasia 
Dictionary Entries Near euthanasia
Cite this Entry
“Euthanasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euthanasia. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
euthanasia
noun
called also mercy killing
Medical Definition
euthanasia
noun
called also mercy killing
Legal Definition
euthanasia
noun
called also mercy killing
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